NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A wild scene unfolded after the Notre Dame Fighting Irish’s 72-71 loss when head coach Micah Shrewsberry and sophomore guard Cole Certa appeared to charge after an official at the end of the game.
Fighting Irish players and coaches held them back as the broadcast picked up on the moment and speculated on what led to the frustration.
“It looked like he was going after one of the officials. My guess? His frustration on the and-one, four-play by Dai Dai Ames,” a broadcaster commented.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Disappointed Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cole Certa reacts after losing to the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons Dec. 21, 2025 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Ind. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)
This game came down to the final seconds, and Certa’s layup made it a 67-63 lead, but the Cal Golden Bears responded quickly to cut the lead to two points.
The game came down to a crucial possession for the Golden Bears, during which Ames shot a 3-pointer. As he made it, a foul was called that allowed Cal to take the lead with a free throw.
MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL 2025-2026 UNDEFEATED TEAMS TRACKER: UM IMPROVES TO 13-0
Officials initially reversed the call, but, upon review, the reversal was then reversed, allowing Ames to head to the free throw line.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cole Certa (5) dribbles the ball down court during a game against the Idaho Vandals Dec. 10, 2025 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Ind. (Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire)
Notre Dame had the final shot of the game, but it fell short, and the Golden Bears won.
In the heat of the moment, though, Certa was clearly walking after one of the officials, but Shrewsberry came barreling in as the official turned around to see the commotion. The official walked off the court without getting involved in the confrontation.
Certa is in an expanded role in his second season in South Bend, playing 20.3 minutes per game compared to 8.1 last season. He’s averaging nine points and 1.4 rebounds per game, while shooting 37.9% from the field.
Shrewsberry has been coaching the Fighting Irish since the 2023-24 season and has a 38-43 record over parts of three seasons. He has yet to lead them to a NCAA Tournament bid.
Head coach Micah Shrewsberry of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish looks on against the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center Dec. 2, 2025, in South Bend, Ind. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Fighting Irish are 10-5 on the season, including 1-1 in conference play.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
