Northwestern coach Chris Collins had to be restrained by his players after being ejected at the end of Wednesday night’s 105-96 overtime loss to Purdue.
In a bizarre scene, Collins ran on the court with several seconds remaining to argue with referee Courtney Green about a previous call. He got hit with a technical foul and was ejected with 1.7 seconds remaining.
The clock expired, but officials put 1.7 seconds back and awarded Purdue four free throws (Wildcats guard Boo Buie also picked up a technical in all the commotion).
As a livid Collins walked off the court, various Wildcats players and a couple of assistant coaches walked him away from the officiating crew. He stopped to greet Purdue coach Matt Painter and Boilermakers star Zach Edey before heading to the locker room, waving his arms to the booing fans at Purdue’s Mackey Complex.
Northwestern head coach Chris Collins is ejected with 1.7 seconds remaining in OT at Purdue. pic.twitter.com/UqTWKKn9gF
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) February 1, 2024
Here’s another view of Collins as he stormed the court and confronted Green.
Chris Collins was HEATED at the end of Purdue/Northwestern. He got a technical and was ejected after confronting one of the officials just as the game was ending. pic.twitter.com/kzoaCiPQFB
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) February 1, 2024
It’s not hard to understand Collins’ frustration with the officiating. Purdue shot 46 free throws, to only eight for Northwestern.
Fans seemed to enjoy watching Collins’ outburst, and many agreed he had a right to be furious.
Let them know how you feel coach! The ref blew the call, big time.
— coolrog1102 (@RogerMc12916079) February 1, 2024
Chris Collins gets ejected, a dramatic thriller:
1. Runs onto the court during play
2. Gets right in ref’s face
3. Has to be held back
4. Screams “I’M GOOD!”
4. Still shakes Matt Painter’s hand
5. Daps up Zach Edey
6. Pumps up crowd as he exitsNo notes. pic.twitter.com/edXFtNYTZl
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) February 1, 2024
Nope, what Got Chris Collins ejected was coming onto the court and confronting a ref with time still on the clock!
— Burden on Society (@BrrdenOnSociety) February 1, 2024
This is MLB-manager-esque. If there was dirt he would have kicked some at the ref.
— Daniel Mogollon (@DanTheB1GMan) February 1, 2024
Oh this is pure theater.
Chris Collins gets ejected as time expires.
He stopped to give his regards to Zach Edey on his way off the court. Classy move.
— Paul Branham (@BoilerPaulie) February 1, 2024
[Photo Credit: Big Ten Network]
