NCAA Referee’s Explanation Sheds Light on Controversial Call
The recent matchup between Duke and Houston ended with a narrow 70-67 win for Houston, thanks in part to a disputed foul call on Duke’s star player, Cooper Flagg. With seconds left on the clock and the score tied, Flagg was whistled for a foul while defending J’Wan Roberts, sending Roberts to the line and ultimately sealing the game for Houston.
*Referee’s Perspective*
In a post-game interview, the NCAA referee explained the thought process behind the call. “We had a clean view of the play, and it appeared to us that Cooper Flagg made contact with J’Wan Roberts,” the referee said. “While Flagg’s defensive positioning was good, the slight contact was enough to warrant a foul call.”
The referee also addressed criticism that the call was overly harsh, stating, “In high-pressure situations like this, every call counts. We strive to remain impartial and make calls based on the rules.”
*Coach Jon Scheyer’s Reaction*
Duke’s Coach Jon Scheyer wasn’t pleased with the call, getting technical after Flagg was called for an offensive foul earlier in the game for seemingly pushing off on a drive. Scheyer defended his star player, saying, “People are going to do things to try to make it easier to guard him… Grabbing and holding is going to be something that’s there.” Scheyer showed no remorse for getting the technical foul, emphasizing his commitment to standing up for his players ¹.
*Flagg’s Performance*
Despite the controversy surrounding the call, Cooper Flagg had an outstanding game, scoring 27 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and adding three blocks. His impressive performance was a testament to his skill and dedication. Throughout the season, Flagg has consistently demonstrated his ability to dominate games, earning him numerous accolades, including the Julius Erving Award and the Wooden Award ².
*Impact on the Game*
The disputed call has sparked heated debate among fans, with many questioning the referees’ judgment. Some have taken to social media, labeling the call as “weak” and “rigged.” Others have expressed frustration with the inconsistency of foul calls in college basketball ² ³.
While the outcome of the game won’t change, the controversy surrounding the call will likely continue to be discussed among fans and analysts. As the NCAA continues to navigate the complexities of officiating, games like Duke vs. Houston highlight the challenges referees face in making split-second decisions that can significantly impact the outcome of a game.
