Niagara women's basketball player Jemima Lacroix Photo Credit: ESPN+. Photo Credit: ESPN+
By Arthur Weinstein on

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.


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.

About Arthur Weinstein

Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.

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