Pizza Hut has offered $10,000 in prize money to Jack Lavery of West Chester University for his one-handed, half-court basket during a halftime basketball contest Saturday. The fast food chain has also promised free pizza for a full year to the 18-year-old Horsham native.

Lavery made the half court shot during the West Chester-Shippensburg basketball game. Contestants in the halftime ritual need to make four shots in 25 seconds -- a layup, foul shot, 3-point shot and a half court shot.

The freshman made the first three shots without difficulty. But he missed the fourth shot in the first attempt. He successfully made the half court shot the second time.

However, West Chester University officials denied him the prize money of $10,000 saying that the half court shot was made during a second attempt.

"This is really tough for me honestly. After all that celebration, they told me I'm not going to get it. I feel a little hurt," said finance major Lavery. "No one from West Chester has even reached out to me yet," NBC Philadelphia reports.

Bill Lavery, Jack's father, hopes that his son receives $10,000 for his incredible feat.

Though the college refused him the money, Pizza Hut believes that the teen's performance was worth the money and made the offer.

"That was one that seemed a pretty remarkable feat with a disappointing ending for everybody," Pizza Hutt spokesman Doug Terfehr said. "These are moments that we can appreciate that are better than an average day."


In response to the surprise gift, Lavery said that he is "extremely blessed."

The Pennsylvanian student confirmed to NJ.com that Pizza Hut was not involved with the contest. Lavery said he will be donating $500 from the prize money to Woody's Circle of Care, a non-profit for deprived local families, NY Daily News reports.