Worst-officiated hoops sequence ever? Refs miss 8 calls, leading to buzzer beater
Eastern Michigan led Ball State 87-85 with only seconds remaining in double overtime on Saturday. What unfolded next was the worst display of officiating -- or lack thereof -- by an entire crew. That is not hyperbole.
The three referees let more than a handful of fouls, travels and held balls to go unwhistled, leading to Francis Kiapway's game-winning 3-pointer from the top of the key as the Cardinals defeated Eagles 88-87 in the most confusing ending you'll see.
Here are just some of the calls the refs missed:
1. A jump ball between Ball State's Franko House and Eastern Michigan's Brandon Nazione.
2. A travel by Nazione.
3. Another held ball.
4. Possibly another travel by Nazione (or a foul on Ball State).
5. Another held ball, this time between Eastern Michigan's Ethan Alvano and Ball State's Ryan Weber.
6. Possibly another foul, either on Alvano, or on Weber for swinging his elbow. Take your pick.
7. Another held ball.
8. And finally, another travel.
Weber escaped from the baseline to find an open Kiapway for the win. Kiapway played 46 minutes, scoring a career-high 22 points.
The three officials will have some explaining to do after this embarrassing sequence.
(h/t SB Nation)
