I'm usualy not one to say that the referees cost UC a game, as I tend to think it is sour grapes, and just a poor excuse. However, in this instance, I think there were several key bad calls down the stretch that really affected the 'Cats. It appeared the refs were scared to make a call against the beloved Muskies in their building. They've got to show more guts than they displayed tonight. I was also surprised to see the UC players and coaches react to the bad calls through the media. Usually, you don't hear stuff like that, as the coaches don't want to get in trouble, and the players are usually more diplomatic and give the opponent respect for winning the game. Good for them. I'm glad they are standing up for themselves, and fighting for what they believe was an injustice.

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Altho there were some questionable no calls, James White's insistence on being superman was critical in the loss IMO. White made some great moves, but he also made so that were out of control including several late in the game in the OT. The final shot was a perfect key, it looks (I'm watching it again on DVR) like he was trying to draw a foul as opposed to going straight up and hitting a jumper. Also, Hicks was just off to his right and although 2.2 seconds isn't a lot of time, it's plenty to get a pass and quick 15 foot jumper. Not jumping on White, but it seemed like HE was determined to be the hero, no one else. He seemed to constantly drive into crowds and look to the refs to bail him out. You can't do that on the road and it cost it last night. If James gets to the NBA I hope he doesn't think he'll get those calls there either.

Xavier 16-28 free throws

UC 5-11

11 FREE THROWS FOR THE GAME?

The Bearcats made five of 11 free throws to XU's 16 of 28 and felt they were not getting the calls when they drove to the basket.

"After awhile, you keep driving to the hole and you don't get no fouls called, what's the point?" White said. "After a while you just settle for jump shots."

Fouls

UC 23
XU 16


That should be the final score because the refs determined that game. I agree completely with our players. They got clobbered inside all game with no calls. It was ridiculously one sided.

UC deserved that game, not X. X was given a gift.

UC will be better off because of it though. UC is the better team.

I agree with you about officiating problem. I have seen some bad calls. One of those bad calls occurred when Hicks was making the shot and XU fouled against him. The refs said it was the foul occurred on floor, not on Hick's shot. What a crap!

For some reason, and I have no idea why, it seems UC is always on the short end of the stick. I don't know if the refs have a pre-conceived idea against them or not, but I see call after call go against them. I don't know how Kennedy keeps calm and does not earn technicals.

I thought the refs did a bad job in the X game, but when I saw the stats the day after, I could not believe it. UC and X were both aggressive taking it to the rim and should have ended up with similar fouls and free throws. Refs somehow have to become accountable for how the call the game and punished for blowing calls (in some way).

There have been more than a few times this year I have shook my head and wonder how the NCAA gets these refs. Heck, I could call a game better than they do and have only ref'd a handful of times.

As of so far, I have been very unimpressed with Big East refs...even greatly disappointed.


I much preferred the CUSA refs. They let you play more and called more even games in my opinion.