South Carolina defeated UConn last Sunday, 81-77. That is a historical fact. It was one of the most-watched televised games in NCAA history. And it was riveting basketball, unlike some past “marquee” matchups.
But the continuing saga of poor officiating in the women’s game robbed the endgame of much more exciting possibilities than the Huskies-forced-to-foul conclusion we witnessed.
Here is the situation:
The game: The No. 1 Gamecocks are playing on the road at No. 4 UConn.
Time remaining: 0:46.2, fourth quarter
Score: South Carolina 75, UConn 72
Situation: Gamecocks called timeout to advance the ball. Raven Johnson to inbound from the bench sideline.
Action: With a five-second call imminent, Zia Cooke cuts to the sideline. Johnson hands her the ball. [Note: replays make it clear that this is what happened. The Fox Sports announcers also saw it immediately.]
Referees: no call.
Action: 2.4 seconds run off the clock. UConn’s Nika Muhl commits her fourth foul on Cooke, who is holding the ball on the sideline. Cooke makes two free-throws, making the score 77-72, a two possession game.
NCAA Women’s Basketball Rules:
Rule 7: Out of Bounds and the Throw In
Art. 2. The ball shall be out of bounds when it touches a player who is…
