Alex Permann, a 24-year-old optometry student at the University of Missouri-St. Louis was the lucky contestent selected for the halftime shooting contest. In order to win $50,000, Permann had to hit a layup, free throw, three-pointer and a half-court shot in 24 seconds. Permann hit the layup, then the free throw and made a mad dash to half-court to take the shot, and absolutely drained it. He was so excited that he was jumping around and thought he had won; if only he had listened to the crowd yelling to him to take the three-point shot.
The crowd roared when he hit the shot, but afterwards Permann was told that he didn’t win because he didn’t make the necessary shots for the prize. He realized he had forgotten the three pointer and tried to make a few before time ran out and was unsuccessful. The USA Today reported what he had to say afterwards:
“I guess I don’t listen too good,” Permann said.
Rules are rules. MVC officials huddled and came up with a compromise. Permann will get four tickets for life to the MVC tournament and four VIP passes and a three-day hotel stay in St. Louis for next year’s tournament.
“I’ve got to tell you, I’m just sick,” MVC associate commissioner Jack Watkins said of Permann losing his jackpot.
“Either way, it’s been awesome. I just can’t believe I made it,” said Permann.
I have to say that it was very nice of the officials to give him something so he didn’t go home empty handed, but it is too bad that he didn’t get the $50,000 prize. That being said, he could have gone through and taken all the necessary shots, missed them and come away with nothing at all. Something is always better than nothing, even if it’s not $50,000.
