On Tuesday night, UConn and Villanova faced off in a Top 25 matchup in Hartford, Connecticut. It was easily the game of the night in college basketball. UConn trying to bounce back after losing to Nova on the road earlier in the year. The game was tight throughout and UConn pulled it out at the end with a great comeback. But the story wasn’t about the late-game heroics, it was about the officials wanting to be the star of the show. Danny Hurley got ejected for hyping up the crowd, and the officials decided to call a charge on the final play of the game versus letting things play out. It was awful. The Big East continues to be plagued by bad officials, but it might be the state of college basketball.

As a reminder, James Breeding is the worst. pic.twitter.com/skviLAkkej

— Charlie – Tapping The Keg Sports (@TappingTheKeg) February 23, 2022

Well this is an awful beat. Was working on content but my god. pic.twitter.com/bB1h0PDuxG

— Charlie – Tapping The Keg Sports (@TappingTheKeg) February 23, 2022

Here’s the thing, what would the Big East do? Ban James Breeding from calling their games? They likely can’t do that. Breeding is a terrible official, but I don’t think there are enough officials available. There needs to be a collective discussion, not just in the Big East, but all of the college basketball where they address the officiating in this sport. It makes it unwatchable at times and doesn’t seem to be getting better. It only seems to be getting worse, and that’s the concern.

I pray that we do not have a Final Four or championship game end with an official making some close call like Breeding did last night. Because it should be about the people on the floor, and as long as it’s not egregious, they should play it out.

Charlie.