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A wild scene unfolded following a 72-71 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, when head coach Micah Shrewsberry and sophomore guard Cole Certa appeared to attack a referee late in the game.
Irish players and coaches had to restrain them, as the broadcast picked up on the moment and speculated on what led to the frustration.
“It seemed like he was chasing one of the referees. I guess? His frustration on the play and one, four from Dai Dai Ames,” the announcer said.
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A disappointed Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cole Certa (5) reacts after losing to the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons during a men’s college basketball game between the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 21, 2025 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, IN. (Jeffrey Brown/Icon Sportswire)
This game came down to the final seconds, when a Certa layup made the lead 67-63, but the Cal Golden Bears responded quickly to cut the lead to two points.
The game ultimately came down to a crucial possession for the Golden Bears, where Ames hit a three-pointer, and when he did, a foul was called, a huge mistake that allowed Cal to take the lead on a free throw.
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The referees initially reversed the call, but upon review, the reversal was reversed, allowing Ames to head to the free throw line.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Cole Certa (5) dribbles the ball down the court during the game between the Idaho Vandals and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on December 10, 2025 at Purcell Pavilion in South Bend, Indiana. (Joseph Weiser/Sportswire Icon)
Notre Dame had the final shot of the game, but it fell short and the Golden Bears regained the victory.
However, in the heat of the moment, Certa was clearly walking behind one of the officials, but Shrewsberry ran in when the official turned to see the commotion. The official left the field without getting involved in the confrontation.
Certa plays 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, going 38-43 in parts of three seasons. He has yet to lead them to an NCAA Tournament bid.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Micah Shrewsberry watches the Missouri Tigers during the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center on December 2, 2025 in South Bend, Indiana. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Fighting Irish are 10-5 on the season, including 1-1 in conference play.
