UMass fan denied $10,000 prize after hitting half court challenge

A Umass basketball fan thought he had just secured a life-changing payday—only to have it ripped away by a technicality.

During halftime of Wednesday’s UMass women’s basketball game against St. Bonaventure at Mullins Center in Amherst, Massachusetts, a fan named Noah was selected to participate in a high-stakes shooting contest. The prize? A cool $10,000.

UMass Fan Puts on a Shooting Clinic

MY FRIEND JUST DID THIS FOR $10k AT THE @UMassWBB GAME!!!#SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/czpu4jSNXf

— Josh Schreiber (@Jschreiber272) February 6, 2025

Noah wasted no time showing off his skills. He started with a smooth layup, followed by a perfect free throw. Next, he drilled a three-pointer with ease, setting himself up for the grand finale—a halfcourt shot that would seal the deal.

With confidence, Noah brought the ball up, went behind his back to set up, and launched the shot. Swish. It was a storybook moment—the kind every fan dreams of.

But then came the bad news.

Insurance Company Pulls the Plug on the Payout

Despite Noah’s flawless execution, the contest’s insurer, OddsOn Promotions, refused to pay out the $10,000. Their reason? His foot was touching the halfcourt line when he took the shot. Because of this technicality, the company ruled the attempt invalid.

It was a brutal ending to what should have been an unforgettable victory.

UMass Tries to Make Amends

🚨🚨UPDATE: Noah was just notified by INSURANCE he is NOT getting the money😡😡😡

They say his foot was on the line DESPITE not being told BEFOREHAND that it had to be BEHIND the line

OddsOn Promotions is the company

This is what UMass offered instead:@espn @zoomasschicks https://t.co/ggyW1OnDcX pic.twitter.com/v7bBAUxxZZ

— Josh Schreiber (@Jschreiber272) February 6, 2025

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To soften the blow, UMass stepped in with a consolation package. Noah was offered four suite tickets to a UMass men’s game, two courtside seats for a UMass women’s game, $100 in concession gift cards, and a bag of UMass-branded swag.

While the gesture was appreciated, it’s safe to say that nothing quite replaces a five-figure check.

This incident serves as a harsh reminder that even when you win, sometimes the fine print still finds a way to beat you.

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