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*This story has been updated with the Sun Belt’s statement regarding the ending of the game. 

The Troy Trojans women’s basketball team was eliminated from the Sun Belt Conference Tournament on Friday, falling to the Old Dominion Monarchs by a score of 86-83.  

The end came with much controversy. With Troy trailing 84-81, Amber Leggett hit a layup to cut the lead to 84-83 with 47 seconds left. On Old Dominion’s next possession, the Monarchs made a layup with just two seconds left to extend the lead to 86-83. The problem, though, is Old Dominion had six players on the court for the play. Officials missed it and the basket counted.  

As time expired, Jada Walton’s three-pointer was no good and Old Dominion held on to advance to the conference semifinals, eliminating Troy. The Trojans protested the ruling following the game but to no avail. 

Following the game, the Sun Belt Conference released a statement regarding the missed call at the end of the game.

“I apologize to head coach Chanda Rigby, the Troy women’s basketball student-athletes and the Troy community for the manner in which the end of the game was officiated. No one wants a game to end this way—especially during the postseason,” said Sun Belt Conference Commissioner Keith Gill.

The Sun Belt acknowledged the missed call and confirmed that Troy should have been awarded two free throws and possession of the ball, effectively a technical foul, but that rule is not reviewable by replay. The Sun Belt’s statement indicated the conference would be in contact with the NCAA to make the rule reviewable in the future. Additionally, the officiating crew that missed the call will not be allowed to officiate any further games during the conference.

Troy forced 20 turnovers in the game and shot 51 percent from the field in the loss. Makaiya Hallmon led Troy with 26 points, six rebounds and two assists, while Leggett added 12 points, five rebounds and three assists. Walton scored 10 rebounds and earned two steals. 

Amari Young led Old Dominion with 29 points and nine rebounds.