Greg Gard Criticizes Officiating in Wisconsin’s Defeat to Indiana
Wisconsin coach Greg Gard expressed his concerns regarding officiating after a close loss to Indiana. The game, held on February 7, ended in a nail-biting 78-77 overtime defeat for the Badgers at Assembly Hall in Bloomington, Indiana.
Key Moments in the Game
Wisconsin appeared to have the edge in the closing moments. With 20 seconds remaining in overtime, they held a one-point lead. However, critical officiating decisions shifted the momentum, leading to their defeat.
- 15.1 seconds left: Nick Boyd was called for a charge, giving Indiana possession.
- Game-tying free throws: John Blackwell committed a foul on Lamar Wilkerson, who then scored both foul shots.
- Final play: Wisconsin had only 2.8 seconds left to respond after Indiana took the lead.
Coach Gard’s Reaction
In his postgame remarks, Gard did not shy away from discussing the officiating. He noted, “I’ve never seen anything like that,” in reference to Boyd’s charging call. Gard also mentioned that he would seek additional clarification on the decisions.
Referee Crew’s Performance
The officials for this game were Michael Reed, Michael Irving, and Larry Scirotto. Despite the physical nature of the game, Gard felt that the late-game fouls contradicted how the game was officiated earlier. He stated, “It’s a hard game to ref, but that wasn’t a hard call.”
Physicality and Gameplay
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early in the game, with no free throws attempted until the second half. Gard highlighted that four of Wisconsin’s six fouls in the first half were strategic, aimed at defense during crucial moments.
Coach Gard’s critique sheds light on the ongoing challenges coaches face regarding inconsistent officiating. As the season progresses, these moments could prove pivotal for Wisconsin’s aspirations moving forward.
