The referees in Monday’s national championship game were absolutely crucified for their officiating in the contest, which included way too many fouls called. Not only did they get too aggressive with foul calls, but they also made a major mistake in the final minute.
North Carolina’s Joel Berry missed a 3-point shot with 54 seconds left, and there was a fight under the basket for the rebound. UNC was leading 66-65 at the time, and with a tie-up for the ball, the officials called for a jump ball.
But that was the wrong call, as replays showed Kennedy Meeks’ hand was out of bounds while he was touching the ball.
Meeks was out of bounds. It wasn't close. pic.twitter.com/t3vm5TCR7k
— Matt Mackowiak (@MattMackowiak) April 4, 2017
Watch where Kennedy Meeks' hands are before the timeout… pic.twitter.com/GCBpladbds
— exhoopsprguy (@exhoopsPRguy) April 4, 2017
The ball should have been awarded to Gonzaga. Instead, Carolina won the jump ball and made a shot to go up 68-65. They pulled away from there and prevailed 71-65.
The officials called 44 fouls in the game — 22 on each side. Zach Collins fouled out for the Zags with five minutes to go. His fourth foul had many incensed (see it here). Four other players (two on each side) finished with four fouls. Many were critical of the refs, including LeBron James, who sent this tweet.
