I'm watching this game and it's the 2nd half (just started) and Joe Alexander has 5 points for the Mountaineers. He's averaging 18 ppg for the tournament (well, OK: in 2 games).
He just made a layup off an offensive rebound and got fouled, to boot. The ball came right to him--in the replay, he barely moved, it practically landed in his hands, and he put it in the hoop. What choice did he have?
Now, here's the thing. Alexander was flat-footed when he caught the ball. He moved very slowly before that to get into position. He showed no emotion whatsoever after the "and one!" call--you would expect a young man whose team is making a big comeback to be a bit more...what shall we say...enthused. But no. Plus, he's looking down at his feet as he lopes to the freethrow line.
I had a terrible thought: is Joe Alexander trying to shave points?
And, he missed the free throw. He is an 82% FT shooter this season, and he basically just heaved it up there, way too strong, and bricked it. Now, in his two previous seasons at WVU, he shot in the 60's from the stripe. But 82% FT shooters, even in only one season, don't just chuck the ball at the cylinder.
I hope I'm just making this up. But something looks off about Alexander.
**Update/Edit: Alexander ties the game with a beauty of a turnaround jumper...and he's fouled! And then he misses the free throw. WTF?? Either he's choking, or he really isn't a good FT shooter. Whatever.