With three seconds left, with the score tied 63-63, Florida State had a sideline out-of-bounds play. The Seminoles inbounded the ball to Devon Bookert on the baseline, who took a contested, fadeaway 3-pointer.
The shot was shot, but Florida reserve forward Jacob Kurtz, who had seven rebounds in the game, went out to corral the miss. In a wild twist, the ball tipped off his hands, up and into the basket with 0.4 seconds left.
Florida had a desperation attempt, but didn’t even get a shot off, as the Seminoles took a 65-63 win.
This couldn’t have happened to a worse person than Jacob Kurtz. The junior forward began his career at Florida as a manager. Now as a walk-on, he’s played significant minutes for the Gators this season due to a series of injuries. However, even on a loaded Final Four team last season, Kurtz found a way to see 8.5 minutes per game.
Unfortunately for Kurtz and the Gators, this is one of the more bizarre plays you’ll see. It’s the equivalent of a defensive back trying to slap down a Hail Mary pass only to direct the ball into the hands of a receiver. Although, it may not be the worst play in Florida’s recent memory. Remember the two football players blocking each other?
Florida State improves to 8-5. Florida falls to 7-5.