UMass Student Loses Chance at Prize Money Despite Perfect Halftime Performance
Noah Lee, a UMass senior, shined during a halftime contest but lost his chance at a $10,000 prize due to a foot placement rule. UMass is working to reward him with other benefits.
Noah Lee, a senior operations and information management major at UMass Amherst, was casually watching the Massachusetts Minutewomen take on the St. Bonaventure Bonnies on Wednesday night before a memorable halftime challenge.
Lee was approached by a promoter for Odds On Promotions, a company that organizes sports halftime contests. The promoter invited him to take part in a challenge where he could win $10,000 by making a series of basketball shots.
With Massachusetts holding a 36-26 lead at halftime, Lee stepped onto the court to sink four shots within 30 seconds: a layup, a free throw, a 3-pointer, and a half-court shot.
As the countdown began, Lee executed the layup with confidence, followed by a swished free throw and a successful college-level 3-pointer.
“Noah for 3!” the promoter cheered before Lee aimed for the half-court shot.
With two dribbles, Lee made the shot, igniting a roar of celebration from the crowd at the Mullins Center.
“I realized midair, like, 'Wow, that has a chance,'” Lee shared with the Daily Collegian. “When it went in, it was pretty surreal. ... It was a ton of fun in the moment.”
Following the apparent success, Lee was asked to sign a form acknowledging his understanding of the rules. However, a representative from the Massachusetts athletic department later informed him that the promotion's insurance company determined his foot had been on the line when he made the half-court shot, disqualifying him from the prize.
The athletic department, though not responsible for the decision, wanted to compensate Lee for his achievement. UMass offered him suite and courtside tickets for a future game, $100 gift cards for concessions, and an opportunity to join another shooting contest for $1,000. Additionally, the school's NIL collective offered Lee another chance to make a half-court shot for $10,000 cash during the upcoming game against the Davidson Wildcats.
On Friday, UMass athletic director Ryan Bamford stated that the school is working to secure the $10,000 prize money through the insurance company, and if unsuccessful, UMass will pay Lee directly.
Lee is set to receive his reward during another Massachusetts women's basketball game, as the Minutewomen currently hold a record of 13-10 and are on a four-game winning streak.
