In a heartbreaking twist, University of Massachusetts senior Noah Lee thought he had clinched a $10,000 prize during a halftime contest at a women’s basketball game, only to lose it over a technicality.
The drama unfolded at the Mullins Center on Wednesday night, where Lee dazzled the crowd by completing a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer, and a half-court shot-all within 30 seconds.
The crowd erupted as Lee sunk the final half-court heave, celebrating what seemed like a perfect performance. But the celebration was short-lived. The next day, Lee received an email from UMass athletics informing him that the promotion’s insurance company had reviewed the footage and disqualified his shot.
The insurance company was to blame
The reason? His foot had grazed the half-court line during the final attempt. “Obviously, it’s a little disappointing,” Lee told the Daily Collegian. “At worst, I was very clearly at half court, but rules are rules.”
UMass play-by-play announcer Josh Schreiber, who first shared Lee’s victory on X (formerly Twitter), posted an update revealing the crushing news. “The insurance company said his foot was on the line and they won’t pay out. It’s a hard thing to tell, but it is what it is,” Schreiber told WHDH.
While the $10K prize slipped away, UMass Athletics tried to soften the blow with a consolation package. Lee was offered suite tickets to a men’s basketball game of his choice, courtside seats to a women’s game, a $100 concession gift card, a chance to participate in another halftime contest, and a swag bag of UMass gear.
Please, support women’s basketball
Despite the setback, Lee remains grateful. “It was a really cool moment and a great experience,” he said.
Schreiber took to X to defend UMass women’s basketball, clarifying that the team wasn’t at fault for the mishap. “Support women’s basketball and don’t attack them for this!” he urged.
Neither OddsOn Promotions, the company responsible for insuring the prize, nor a UMass spokesperson has responded to requests for comment. For now, Lee’s stunning half-court heroics will remain a bittersweet memory.