Indiana returned to the win column Sunday after a three-game losing streak, beating Penn State 73-54. The game however, had an unfortunate ending, all setup by poor officiating.
Following IU’s win, there were a lot of discussion about whether Will Sheehey’s two technical fouls and ejection will force him to miss Thursday’s game at Wisconsin. There has been no official word, but Coach Tom Crean believes Sheehey will be available next game.
“To my knowledge, there will be no difference in Will’s status. There was no fight, no punches thrown.”
There were a lot of ‘chippy’ plays throughout the game. Cody Zeller getting elbowed in the face, a Penn State player forced to go to the bench due to blood.
Then with six seconds remaining, Christian Watford is fouled while launching a three just before the shot-clock expires. Ross Travis, who appeared to be going for the ball, fouled Watford just in front of the IU bench.
And chaos ensued. From my corner seat, I didn’t see any punches, just a lot of trash talk. It was a lot of emotion and maybe some immaturity.
It’s not very often that I glance down at the box score and see three officials I don’t recognize. I asked four other IU media members. All answered the same.
“You hate the end the game like that,” Coach Chambers said postgame. “You want to leave it on the floor, but there’s no need for that.”
First half: 16 fouls. Second half: 32.
There’s no need for any altercations in a game as Crean described as, “a hard fought battle.” The Big Ten officials need to get this cleaned up and not allow the officiating to dictate the game.
Decide for yourself: