Sports

Controversial Foul Calls Rob Ohio Of Upset To Gift Miami With Undefeated College Basketball Season

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Miami Ohio Basketball Controversy Foul Peter Suder Undefeated Referee
ESPN

Miami defeated Ohio to finish the college basketball regular season undefeated at 31-0 despite a series of controversial foul calls (and no calls) late in overtime. The Redhawks were the beneficiary of questionable officiating during the historic game against their biggest rivals, the Bobcats.

It went down to the wire!

The college basketball referees helped to determine the outcome. There were a two specific decisions that changed everything.

Ohio got called for a blocking foul.

The officials were very quick with their whistles on Friday night in Athens. They called a combined 48 fouls. Miami and Ohio shot a combined 66 free throws. That includes overtime.

It was an incredible back-and-forth game that unfortunately came down to the referees. Lets jump ahead to the 17-second mark in overtime. The Bobcats held a one-point lead over the Redhawks.

Peter Suder went to the ground as he drove to the hoop with 12.6 seconds remaining. Ajay Sheldon was called for a blocking foul.

The officials ruled that Ohio’s defender did not have his feet set when Suder made contact. However, Miami’s guard fully extended his arm and pushed off of Sheldon, which sent them both to the floor. Should they have been allowed to play on? Block or charge?

The answer to those questions depend on who you ask. Some college basketball fans think it was a mutual contact situation where possession should be determined by who last touched the ball. Others think Suder should’ve been called for the charge because he was out of control and initiated contact. Officials ultimately ruled in favor of those who think Sheldon’s feet were not set.

Here is how it looked from the stands:

I think they got that one right. Sheldon was still moving as Suder came downhill.

Miami won the college basketball game to stay undefeated.

Peter Suder ultimately made both free throws to give Miami a lead it would not give back. Ohio brought the ball back the other way with a chance to win or tie. The Bobcats had two timeouts. They did not call either.

Jackson Paveletzke drove straight to the hoop and threw a layup toward the rim. He missed. Suder stopped him dead in his tracks. The Redhawks secured the rebound to effectively secure the win.

It looked not too dissimilar from the play before— but a foul was not called.

I also think the officials got this one right. Suder went straight up. He was vertical, not horizontal.

However, in a game where the referees were calling everything, the precedent was already set. There was just enough there to blow the whistle. Here is how it looked from the crowd:

Right, wrong or otherwise, the call on the court is the call on the court. Miami defeated Ohio to stay undefeated. Suder waved goodbye to the Bobcats and talked his talk.

The Redhawks became the 21st team in college basketball history to finish the regular season undefeated. Their pursuit of a national title will continue during the MAC Tournament next week.

Did they get bailed out by the officials? Let me know your thoughts at Grayson@brobible.com!