Players, coaches and fans alike all love to blame referees for missteps. In the world of college basketball, the fate of even the best of teams can rest entirely on a missed or an erroneous call, and this year’s tournament has proven that again and again.
Below, we count down the top 10 worst calls in recent March Madness history, highlighting the more recent screw ups that have robbed teams of precious opportunities to make the title game. If it’s info on the 2015 NCAA tournament you’re after, check out our compilation of expert picks for the final rounds of action, or our complete picks for the tournament overall.
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Top 10 Worst Calls in NCAA March Madness History
A few things to note before we get started: these are the worst calls in recent history, with all them occurring in the last five tournaments…with one notable exception. College ball is a quickly evolving beast, so we didn’t want to get into anything too old.
Second of all, note that not all calls need to be game-deciders. Some make the list out of sheer, indefensible badness. With these points in mind, let’s get going…
In 2013, Louisville defeated Michigan for its third NCAA title, but it didn’t come without controversy. With just over five minutes to play in the national tournament championship game, Trey Burke appeared to cleanly block a fastbreak layup from Louisville’s Peyton Siva. But the referee called Burke for a foul, awarding Siva two free throws. It was the turning point of the game as Louisville went on to win 82-76.
9. UNC-Asheville vs. Syracuse Missed Call (2012 Round of 64)
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]In 2012’s Round of 64 game, No. 1 Syracuse led 66-63 with 36.9 seconds left and No. 16 UNC-Asheville to inbound the ball. Even just being in a position where this play mattered to the outcome of the game was impressive from UNC-Asheville, who were flirting with the notion of being the first 16-seed ever to knock off a 1.
The Orange’s Brandon Triche tipped an errant pass to give UNC-Asheville possession. But veteran referee Ed Corbett saw it differently, giving possession and the game to Syracuse. Corbett even admitted to miss the call later on.
8. Technical for Coaching Your Own Team (Providence, 2015 Round of 64)
While watching the Providence Friars waste their hard-earned sixth seed to No. 11 Dayton, head coach Ed Cooley needed to cool his head. He let out all his frustration during a timeout when he slammed a chair in a team huddle. But a referee took offense to Cooley’s little tantrum and slapped him with a technical – for yelling at his own team. Not so much as a glance at the ref or anyone else.
Dayton made one of two free throws, extended its lead to nine and eventually won the game by 13 points.
7. Double Foul in Wichita State vs. Louisville (2013 NCAA Final Four)
Poor Ron Baker and Wichita State. Battling for a loose ball, Baker made contact with Louisville’s Van Treese. A double foul was called despite Baker clearly taking a hit to the face (thus warranting a flagrant one) before hitting the deck. The double foul gave Wichita State possession, but switched the possession arrow over to Louisville.
The repercussion would come later on. Wichita State appeared to have wrestled control of the ball, only for a referee to signal jump ball. The call gave Louisville possession, and eventually the game.
6. Over and Back Call against Marquette (2011 Round of 32)
The game was tied 59-59 with Syracuse ball. Scoop Jardine jumped up to catch an inbound pass near midcourt. The tip of his toe crossed over half-court line, which according to Rule 4.3.8 would be completely acceptable. Marquette was given possession on and over and back call, and promptly hit a three-pointer and some free throws for a 66-62 win.
5. “Charge” on Arizona’s Nick Johnson (2014 Elite Eight)
There were less than 20 ticks on the clock in overtime when Arizona’s Nick Johnson drove toward the basket. A slight bump against a Wisconsin defender had the referee blowing his whistle. The call wouldn’t go for Johnson, though, as he was charged with an offensive charge. The controversial call sealed the win for Wisconsin.
4. Charge on Jarnell Stokes (2014 Sweet 16)
It was supposed to be one of the most storied comebacks in March Madness history. Tennessee rallied from 15 points behind against Michigan. The Volunteers trailed by just one point, and had possession with just 10 seconds to play. It would’ve been a picture-perfect ending, but Tennessee forward Jarnell Stokes was called for a questionable charge against what seemed like a Jordan Morgan flop.
3. No Call in Final Possession of Louisville-UC Irvine Game (2015 Round of 64)
The UC Irvine Anteaters made just their first ever appearance in the NCAA Tournament, and they came oh-so-close to upsetting No. 4 Louisville in the process. UC Irvine trailed by two with under 20 seconds remaining in the game, and Louisville still had fouls to give. But the referees swallowed their whistles on what should have been a clear foul on Louisville guard Terry Rozier. The Cardinals managed to take possession, and run out the clock.
2. Phantom Goaltend in Favor of UCLA (2015 Round of 64)
No. 11 UCLA was trailing 59-57 against No. 6 SMU in the Round of 64. To most observers, UCLA didn’t even deserve to be in the tournament, but they’d played a strong game to remain close down the stretch.
Bryce Alford managed to get off a tightly-contested shot from beyond the arc with about 13 seconds remaining. With the ball sailing visibly long and wide, SMU defender Yanick Moreira jumped up and made a play on the ball to corral the rebound. The referee whistled for goaltending against SMU on what may well have resulted in an air ball, and certainly wouldn’t have been a made basket.
Moreira should never have even tried to make the play, and SMU still had two more looks to win the game for themselves on their final possession, so hard to argue this call gave UCLA the win, but it was certainly a grotesque call in a huge moment, and a big factor in why the Bruins are still dancing in the Sweet 16.
1. “Traveling” on Billy Packer (1989 Elite Eight)
NC State battled back from a 16-point halftime deficit to the Georgetown Hoyas in a 1989 Elite Eight matchup. Georgetown forward Alonzo Mourning had four fouls, thus prompting NC State point guard Billy Packer to attack the big man. Packer seemed to draw contact, while making a basket for a possible three-point play. But he was whistled for a contentious traveling call, and Georgetown lived to play another day.
To see the contentious call, skip to the 6:00 mark of the video above.
Which next bad call alters a team’s fortune? Create a betting account now and get in on the Big Dance while the Madness lasts.
