Unusual NCAA Comment: Syracuse Came 'Back From Dead on Easter Sunday'

TBS announcer Kevin Harlan said that Syracuse came "back from the dead on Easter Sunday" to win its NCAA regional finals basketball game against Virginia, drawing some angry responses.

Syracuse rallied from a 16-point deficit in the second half to stun the No. 1 seed, Virginia, 68-62 at the United Center in Chicago. Syracuse became the first No. 10 seed to ever reach the Final Four, according to the NCAA's website.

As the final seconds ticked off, Kevin Harlan, who was play-by-play announcer of the TBS broadcast, made his controversial call.

Kevin Harlan’s final call: "Back from the dead on Easter Sunday" pic.twitter.com/RQ5akmGzDS

— Kenny Ducey (@KennyDucey) March 28, 2016

"Jim Boeheim and Syracuse have done it! Back from the dead on Easter Sunday! They're going to the Final Four," Harland said as the game concluded.

USA Today reported that Harlan's comments, coming while families around the country were celebrating Jesus Christ's resurrection, drew sharp criticism, especially on Twitter.

Just to follow on Kevin Harlan. I find his comment totally inappropriate. To liken Syracuse win to Christ's resurrection is just wrong.

— Mark Champion (@nbamark) March 28, 2016

.@Kevinharlan An apology wouldn't suffice for your "back from the dead on Easter Sunday" comment. Uncalled for and beyond offensive!

— Josh Decker (@J_Decker84) March 28, 2016

Kevin Harlan should call it a career after that https://t.co/YsajqUCUJ9

— Bunkie Perkins (@BunkiePerkins) March 28, 2016

Some, though, came to Harlan's defense.

Great call from Kevin Harlan on @TBSNetwork, "Syracuse has done it! Back from the dead on Easter Sunday"

— Sean Eghlimi (@seaneghlimi) March 28, 2016

@nbamark overly sensitive America at it again

— Aaron Soderberg (@AaronSoderberg) March 28, 2016

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