Absolute Ref Show Robs America Of Incredible Ending To Iowa-UConn Game

Iowa and UConn’s matchup in the Women’s Final Four Friday night was one of the most anticipated women’s sporting events in American history. Sadly, when it looked like we were set up for an all-time finish, the referees decided to make it all about themselves, robbing America of what should’ve been an awesome ending.

UConn clawed back from a 9-point deficit in the fourth quarter to trail by just one with possession with nine seconds remaining. One final chance for superstar Paige Bueckers and company would decide who won this classic. That is, until the refs got involved.

A very questionable illegal screen was called on senior UConn forward Aliyah Edwards, giving the ball back to Iowa with 4.6 seconds remaining and effectively ending the game.  Take a look.

Is that an illegal screen by the letter of the law? Probably, yes. Edwards does slightly move into the path of Iowa’s Gabby Marshall. It’s not much, but she does.

The problem is, that is not in any way how the first 39 minutes and 55 seconds of the game was officiated. Both teams, but especially Iowa involving off-ball screens for the spectacular Caitlin Clark, had been leaning on screens all day and had been getting away with it. To call that one in that position and take the game out of the hands of the players is an abomination.

Had they let it play, Bueckers would’ve had a good look at a three, or had time to attack the basket. Who knows what would have happened. But, it would’ve been a lot better than the ending we got.

Ultimately, UConn had to foul, Caitlin Clark split a pair, but Iowa got the offensive rebound on her second foul shot. They were able to run out the clock after that, and won, 71-69.

Ten minutes after the game, “terrible call” is trending worldwide on Twitter, as is “offensive foul”. It’s a brutal way to end a game that meant so much to both teams, women’s basketball, and women’s sports as a whole in America.

 

 

 

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