Tensions boiled over at the end of Notre Dame’s narrow loss to California after a late officiating decision dramatically changed the outcome… and ignited an emotional reaction from head coach Micah Shrewsberry.
With just five seconds remaining, Cal guard Dai Dai Ames buried a clutch three to pull even. Officials initially whistled a foul on Notre Dame’s Logan Imes, then briefly reversed the call before changing it again following a challenge from Mark Madsen, who argued the contact occurred during the shooting motion.
After review, referees ruled it a shooting foul. Ames calmly knocked down the free throw, completing a decisive four-point play that pushed the California Golden Bears ahead 72–71.
Notre Dame had one final chance but missed a last-second three. As the horn sounded, Shrewsberry sprinted toward a game official in visible frustration and had to be restrained by members of his staff to prevent a confrontation.
The incident could carry consequences. Shrewsberry may face discipline from the ACC ahead of Notre Dame’s upcoming matchup against Clemson Tigers on January 10, pending a conference review.
