Backcourt rule on a throw-in

[Mingram]

NCAA rules. Team A inbounds under team B's basket. The throw goes long but not before a team A player tips it in the front court. The balls goes to the back court where a team A player retrieves it. Official calls a tipped ball, no backcourt violation. Did he get it wrong or does team A first have to establish themselves in the front court (two feet and the ball)?