Seth Davis Calls Out Refs for Controversially Not Calling Flagrant Foul on Patrick Ngongba II
In the high-stakes world of college basketball, referees are often the focal point of intense scrutiny, especially when controversial decisions impact the outcome of a game. Recently, renowned college basketball analyst Seth Davis weighed in on a contentious no-call involving Georgetown’s Patrick Ngongba II, who appeared to make contact with an opponent in a manner that many believed should have warranted a flagrant foul. Davis did not hold back, calling out the referees for missing the call and questioning their decision-making in a crucial moment.
The incident in question occurred during a tight matchup between Georgetown and their rival, where Ngongba, a key player for the Hoyas, was involved in a physical altercation under the basket. As the play unfolded, Ngongba appeared to deliver an elbow to an opposing player’s head during a contested rebound. The contact was immediate and noticeable, but to the surprise of many viewers, including Davis, the referees decided not to assess a flagrant foul on the play.
Flagrant fouls are generally called when a player makes excessive or unnecessary contact that poses a potential risk of injury to an opponent. The referees have the discretion to decide whether the contact is excessive, but in this instance, many felt that Ngongba’s actions fit the criteria for a flagrant foul. However, despite video evidence and the visible reaction of players and coaches, the referees opted to call a common foul, much to the dismay of fans and analysts alike.
Seth Davis, known for his insightful commentary and analysis on college basketball, took to social media to voice his frustration. “That was absolutely a flagrant foul,” Davis wrote in a tweet, before continuing to express his disappointment with the officiating. “This is the type of play that the referees should be reviewing, and they completely missed it. A dangerous move like that has no place in college basketball, and it’s a shame the refs didn’t call it.”
Davis, a longtime commentator for CBS Sports and a respected voice in college basketball, is no stranger to calling out officiating when necessary. His criticism of the no-call immediately gained traction among fans, coaches, and fellow analysts, many of whom shared his belief that the referees had missed an important moment in the game. The lack of a flagrant foul call added to the growing debate about the inconsistencies in college basketball officiating, especially in close games where the stakes are high.
Georgetown’s head coach, Patrick Ewing, was visibly upset on the sidelines and later expressed concern about the officiating in his post-game remarks. “We’ve been talking about the need for better officiating all season,” Ewing said. “That was a dangerous play, and to not even review it is something I don’t understand. We all want the game to be fair, and the referees need to make sure they’re getting these calls right.”
The debate surrounding the play highlights a larger issue in college basketball—how referees are trained to make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations. While most fans understand the challenge of officiating, there is a growing sense that calls like the one involving Ngongba should be reviewed more thoroughly, especially when player safety is on the line.
For Georgetown, the no-call didn’t result in a game-changing moment, but the controversy surrounding it continued to linger in the aftermath. As for Seth Davis, his call for accountability in officiating has opened up a broader conversation about the importance of fair and consistent refereeing in college basketball, especially as teams prepare for the high-stakes postseason tournaments.
The incident serves as a reminder that in college basketball, every decision, whether by a player or a referee, has the potential to spark significant discussion. As the season moves forward, the question remains: will officiating be held to higher standards, or will controversial moments like this continue to shape the narrative around the game? Only time will tell.
