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Myron Medcalf
Following what he deemed an «embarrassing» 80-78 defeat to Robert Morris at Resch Center in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin, Green Bay men’s basketball coach Doug Gottlieb hurled a chair as he exited the court Thursday night.
Green Bay held an 11-point lead with 3:54 remaining in the game prior to Robert Morris launching a late surge. With the advantage reduced to two points and 35.7 seconds left, Green Bay was penalized for a 10-second violation after failing to move the ball over midcourt. After Robert Morris sank a decisive 3-pointer and Green Bay converted 1-of-2 free throws to level the score, Nikolaos Chitikoudis made the winning layup for Robert Morris with just 2.4 seconds on the clock.
Gottlieb paced along the sidelines with his hands raised after his squad conceded the final shot. As he departed the Resch Center floor, Gottlieb seized a chair and seemingly flung it against a wall.
«I’m pleased with our effort and defense and the way we performed,» Gottlieb stated post-game. «How we lost that game was just humiliating.»
Last year, Green Bay engaged Gottlieb, who hosts a nationally syndicated radio program, to revitalize its program. He ended his first season with a record of 4-28, and Green Bay has already equaled that victory total, standing at 4-6 after 10 games.
Taking accountability for the 10-second violation in the final minute, Gottlieb cited «a lack of communication.» However, he emphasized that his team must exhibit greater discipline in critical moments.
«We failed to guard the 3-point line,» he remarked. «We have players who aren’t heeding instructions. It happens. We lost the game.»
He further noted: «Yes, we are genuinely a competent basketball team. I realize this might astonish some. We’re really quite good, but we acted foolishly at the end of the game.»
