If the ball enters the hoop from below and passes back through the hoop, it doesn’t count for points. It’s a violation on the offending team, and possession is awarded to the opposing team.
From the NCAA rule book (Rule 9: Violations and Penalties, Section 6, Article 1):
“It is a violation when a player intentionally kicks the ball, strikes it with the fist or causes it to pass through the basket and enter the cylinder from below.”
This play occurred in a second-round game during the 2023 NCAA Tournament. In the first half, Michigan State tipped the ball – after a missed shot – up toward their own hoop.
The ball went through hoop and briefly rolled atop the back of the rim before falling back through the hoop. It didn’t count as two points, and the ball was awarded to Marquette.
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