UMass student wins $10k basketball challenge—then gets denied over foot placement rule

Noah Lee successfully completed all the shots. However, the next day, he was informed that his shot didn’t count.

A University of Massachusetts student thought he had secured a $10,000 prize during a halftime contest—only to be denied the payout due to a technicality.

UMass play-by-play announcer Josh Schreiber posted on X that his friend, senior Noah Lee, had won the challenge at the Mullins Center during a women’s basketball game Wednesday night. The contest required participants to make a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer, and a half-court shot in under 30 seconds.

Lee successfully completed all the shots—including an impressive half-court heave—and celebrated on the court. However, the next day, he was informed that his shot didn’t count because his foot had crossed the line.

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

— Josh Schreiber (@Jschreiber272) February 6, 2025

“[On Thursday], I got an email from the UMass athletics representative saying that the promotion company got back to them and said my foot was on the line and they will not be paying it out, which is obviously a little disappointing,” Lee told the Daily Collegian.

Schreiber also expressed frustration over the call. “I would understand if it was well in front of the half court line, took an extra step, but at worst, he is very clearly AT half court,” he told WHDH in Boston. “It’s a hard thing to tell.”

Shame on @PrizeInsurance for not paying Noah his $10K.

Even if his foot was over the line, he CLEARLY still had time to attempt another shot.

Also the prizes UMass is offering doesn't even total $500 in value, and students already go to games for free. pic.twitter.com/IfI4UTtZjl https://t.co/3MsdlFvLQK

— UMass Dynasty (@UMassDynasty) February 6, 2025

While Lee won’t be receiving the cash prize, UMass attempted to make up for the situation by offering him several perks, including suite tickets to a men’s basketball game, another chance to participate in a contest, courtside seats to a women’s game, a $100 concession gift card, and a UMass gear swag bag.

Despite the outcome, Lee remained appreciative of the experience. “Really grateful for the opportunity just to participate,” he said. “It was a really cool moment. A really cool experience.”

Schreiber clarified on X that UMass women’s basketball was not responsible for the decision. “They are the best, and had nothing to do with Noah not getting the money,” he wrote. “Support women’s basketball and don’t attack them for this!!”

A spokesperson for the UMass women’s basketball team and OddsOn Promotions, the contest’s promotion company, have yet to respond to requests for comment.