Nobody likes it when referees dictate the pacing of a national title game, and you can bet folks were out complaining about it during Sunday’s 2023 women’s NCAA tournament championship.
One of the most anticipated women’s basketball games in quite a while, the heavyweight fight between Iowa and LSU saw its first quarter hampered by a spattering of questionable calls from the referees.
The pacing of the game like this is critical for players like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark and LSU’s Angel Reese to get in a rhythm. If the refs don’t slow the whistles down, folks will not be happy at home or in the stands.
AP women’s basketball reporter Doug Feinberg noted that the refs’ lack of familiarity with both teams might be contributing to the day’s frustrations.
So there are two Pac-12 officials doing this game who probably haven't done many of either team this year.
— Doug Feinberg (@DougFeinberg) April 2, 2023
Even LSU coach Kim Mulkey’s son, St. Louis Cardinals infielder Kramer Robertson, wasn’t happy about the officiating.
It’s the referee show
— Kramer Robertson (@KramerR3) April 2, 2023
Folks on Twitter were NOT HAPPY about the game's officiating.
This crew needs to let these players decide the national championship on the floor. Not sitting on the bench with foul trouble.
— Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) April 2, 2023
Agreed, @GaryParrishCBS had a great 30 minute rant on this subject. Pro games almost never get decided by “star player is in foul trouble so they have to sit.” It’s part officiating, part coaching and part rules. https://t.co/NADAcfYhV8
— Adi Joseph (@AdiJoseph) April 2, 2023
I'm gonna need the refs to stop ruining this game.
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) April 2, 2023
Thanks, refs. Every fan wanted you to call ticky-tack nonsense on Angel Reese and Monika Czinano in this title game. We love it. No notes.
— Caroline Darney (@cwdarney) April 2, 2023
Seriously someone take the whistle away from these refs…my gosh let them play a little bit.
— Mike Golic (@golic) April 2, 2023
I’m just glad the refs are having fun out there. That’s what the NCAA tournament is all about as everyone knows
— Charlotte Wilder (@TheWilderThings) April 2, 2023
Please refs, let the players be the stars of this game. PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!
— Angel Gray (@Angel_Gray1) April 2, 2023
these refs need to chill the hell out
— Mike Golic Jr (@mikegolicjr) April 2, 2023
Potential record TV audience tuning in to see @WFinalFour and have been treated to a “festival of whistles”…and @CaitlinClark22
— 𝐖𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@WesDurham) April 2, 2023
They. Are. Ruining. The. Pacing. Tell. Them. To. Stop. https://t.co/2UVe8XbJIC
— Robert 'Blue Checkmark' Rimpson (@Rimpsanity) April 2, 2023
There's one official really loving making foul calls rn
— Hunter (@hpatt15) April 2, 2023
Yeah I'm gonna need these refs to calm down
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) April 2, 2023
Welcome to a title game whistle-fest.
— Maria M. Cornelius (@mmcornelius) April 2, 2023
TV announcers making clear that this is not a “banner start” for the officials in this first quarter of the women’s title game. Handing out fouls left and right.
— Teresa Walker (@TeresaMWalker) April 2, 2023
lmao just what everybody tuned into this game to see: A ref show!
— local bIogger (@fergoe) April 2, 2023
both these teams came here for a fight you gotta let them fight
— Shea Serrano (@SheaSerrano) April 2, 2023
