Arizona have apologized after some of the team’s fans directed abuse at BYU after the Cougars’ upset victory over the Wildcats on Saturday.
Due to a number of BYU calls, the game in Arizona’s home arena ended in controversy. The McKale Center was filled with Fuck the Mormons chants as the players left the court. Around 98% of BYU’s student body are Mormons and the university is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In a statement, Arizona’s athletic director said, Following tonight’s men’s basketball game, it was brought to our attention that an unacceptable chant occurred. On behalf of the University of Arizona Athletic Department, we apologize to BYU, their student-athletes, coaches and fans. The chant is not reflective of who we are and should not have happened.
The teams fought after the game was over, and Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd complained about a call that allowed BYU to win 96-95 with free throws. However, he stated that his team accepted responsibility for the loss. It’s a terrible call. I mean, like, anything. I don’t know what to say. Lloyd said. You don’t want a game to be decided by that, and the referee who called it is one of the best. As a result, we have to accept it. But step back. They scored 93 points up to that point on our home court. That is the issue.