- Duquesne looked to reach its first NCAA tournament in 47 years on Sunday
- At 3 p.m., a Barclays Center official accidentally set off the confetti early
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The A-10 championship game was thrown into disarray Sunday afternoon when Barclays Center officials accidentally set off the confetti cannons with 18 minutes left to play.
Duquesne fans may have been dreaming of their first March Madness appearance in 47 years with a 15-point lead over VCU — but it’s fair to say they hadn’t yet prepared for the celebrations.
It will therefore have been a huge surprise in Brooklyn to find themselves flooded with confetti, while the players were still fighting on the field.
In hilarious scenes that left both teams and fans perplexed, caller Kevin Harlan shouted: “Confetti is falling on the floor!” They’re going to have to stop playing!
“We can’t see our grades. Players cannot train on this field. Confetti is everywhere! Someone pressed the wrong button!’
With 18 minutes left, the confetti cannons were fired early at the Barclays Center
The players and referees looked perplexed as the multi-colored paper began to fall onto the field.
The fans in the stands took it in their stride, jokingly celebrating their victory ahead of schedule.
When the players and referees realized what had happened, the game was immediately stopped for a quick cleanup – and perhaps to fire the trainee who accidentally pressed the button too soon.
No. 6 seed Duquesne Dukes won the A-10 championship and booked their spot in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1977.
In total, they had only done it five times in the past, once in the 1940s, once in the 1950s, once in the 1960s and then twice in the 1970s.
Officials quickly rushed onto the field to clear the banners and resume play.
In the booth, the commentators had to clear their desks to be able to see their notes.
Since then, the Pittsburgh-based college has faced a mediocre existence and semi-regular NIT appearances.
However, everything has changed now, under the leadership of coach Keith Dambrot.
At the Barclays Center, the Dukes saw the game win 57-51… and fortunately for their fans, there was still a little confetti to fall from the rafters.