When a sports event gets out of hand, announcers often must scramble to find something to talk about beyond the lopsided score.
ESPN+ announcers Ryan Maxwell and Howard Simon found themselves in that predicament Thursday night, as Fairfield held a commanding 20-point lead on MAAC rival Niagara in the third quarter.
As Fairfield brought the ball down the floor, Maxwell and Simon discussed Fairfield’s tough non-conference schedule and postseason prospects.
Meanwhile, Fairfield attempted a three-pointer. Maxwell continued talking about the schedule.
Niagara forward Jemima Lacroix grabbed the rebound and, in one of the rarest plays in basketball, immediately put the ball up and in for a dreaded “own goal,” scoring two points for Fairfield.
Maxwell continued talking about Fairfield’s schedule and upcoming games, not even mentioning the rare play.
Can you spot what Niagara WBB did wrong? (The announcers were out to lunch) pic.twitter.com/n6b5e35C10
— The Sickos CBB Committee (@SickosCBB) January 16, 2025
On the floor, two of Lacroix’s teammates put their hands on their head in disbelief. Maxwell kept talking about the schedule.
In the grand scheme, Maxwell and Simon missing that own goal was a minor blip. Yet you sure don’t see those plays very often, certainly not in college basketball. A few fans pointed out the announcers should have caught that mistake.
I know the MAAC is far from high major, but for a college athlete to do this is INSANE.
Plus for the announcers to not even recognize it is even crazier 😂 https://t.co/sszfVcwF5i
— Richie O’Leary (@RivalsRichie) January 17, 2025
1-12 team scores on themselves.
That tracks.
Announcers……what are you doing?? https://t.co/ej8HTNgGWr— 𝗭𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗙𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗿 (@zfish04) January 17, 2025
The announcers aren’t even paying attention to the game 😅🫣 yikes…bucket for the other team https://t.co/I6HKdlxccn
— basketball&MJ (@mj_rey_) January 17, 2025