Gonzaga and North Carolina played in the National Championship game on Monday night, but it felt less like a basketball game and more like a free throw competition as there was a persistent whistle throughout the game. This was especially the case in the second half, when it felt like you couldn’t go more than two possessions without a foul being called.
Needless to say, that kind of constant interruption made for a miserable viewing experience – and probably a miserable playing experience – and people made sure to voice their displeasure with the quality of refereeing that was on display in Phoenix. It wasn’t just fans who disliked the calls – that happens every game – but even NBA stars like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade couldn’t believe how many fouls were being called.
Man I can't watch this anymore man! I would like to see the kids decide who wins the game! I mean Bruh!! Smh
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 4, 2017
I take that back I will watch the rest cause i won't cheat the kids but this is crazy!
— LeBron James (@KingJames) April 4, 2017
Let these kids play. Put the whistles away.
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) April 4, 2017
While LeBron and Wade aired their grievances, so did the rest of the basketball world watching the game. Even the CBS announce crew couldn’t help but note the absurdity of all the call that were made in the second half, and if the announcers are noting that kind of thing, you can only imagine what the internet had to say. Some were mad about how bad it was, but there were also plenty of jokes too as Twitter tried to at least have a little fun with how terrible this all was to watch.
refs huddling up, really think they have a chance to win this thing. pic.twitter.com/sSH7uFr5zD
— Danny (@recordsANDradio) April 4, 2017
The refs in this game are the guy jumping and the rest of the metaphor is well it's there pic.twitter.com/vaki2M3xpq
— BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL (@edsbs) April 4, 2017
Folks, uhh, you’re not gonna believe this but, hmm, I think we’re all in foul trouble when you really think about it.
— Peter Berkes (@peterberkes) April 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/HPbasketball/status/849092994099806209
23 fouls in 15 second-half minutes.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) April 4, 2017
Was fired up all day to watch the two best teams in the country. Instead have been subjected to enduring the 3 best officials.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) April 4, 2017
guys, you have to remember, this isn't the pros. these are amateur refs doing it for the love of the game and a college education…wait
— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) April 4, 2017
This sucks
— Nick Kostos (@TheKostos) April 4, 2017
One Refereeing Moment pic.twitter.com/KqeiQaJ8Q6
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) April 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/martinrickman/status/849094592599392256
it's Opening Day for MLB and we didn't see this many fouls.
thanks. thank you.
— Landon Howell (@landonhowell) April 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/billbarnwell/status/849097642886017024
One Shining Moment should just be every second-half whistle.
— Josh Newman (@Joshua_Newman) April 4, 2017
College basketball officiating is a crisis.
— Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) April 4, 2017
