Arizona AD apologizes to BYU for fan’s ‘unacceptable chant’

Following BYU’s stunning 96-95 victory over No. 19 Arizona on Saturday night in Tucson, fans directed a derogatory chant at the Utah-based university’s religious background as the BYU players remained on the court.

As a result, Arizona’s athletic director, Desireé Reed-Francois, issued an apology on X, labeling the brief incident from the student section at McKale Center as “unacceptable” and not representative of the university’s values.

Video footage of the chant showed Arizona fans clapping and using profanity while calling BYU players “Mormons.” Brigham Young University is affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Before the disturbance from fans, Arizona’s Caleb Love, who matched his season-high with 27 points, had words with BYU’s Mawot Mag (11 points) and other Cougar players during the handshake line.

Richie Saunders of BYU scored 23 points, including two crucial free throws with 3.2 seconds remaining, to seal the win for the Cougars.

What sparked the dramatic Arizona-BYU finish?

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After BYU’s Dallin Hall missed a 1-and-1 free throw, Arizona’s Love was fouled and converted both of his free throws, giving the Wildcats a 95-94 lead with 13 seconds left.

The Saunders foul seemed minor to Arizona fans, but coach Tommy Lloyd responded, saying, “We’ve got to live with it.”

“Listen, it’s the Big 12… and the official who made the call is one of the best referees,” Lloyd said after the game. “But step back. They scored 93 points on our home court. That’s the real issue.”

Arizona will next play at home on Wednesday against Utah.