I know it's not right to blame the refs, but . . .

[homes]

At the end of regulation, Cole basically got pulled down and off balance by the Michigan center as he was going for the rebound, and Cartwright got raked over his shooting arm by Hardaway on Iowa's last possession (that's why his shot fell short). The refs swallowed their whistles on both occasions. Poor sport? Maybe. Other things Iowa did to lose the game? Yes. But, did these critical no calls directly affect the outcome in the last 15 seconds of the game? Absolutely. Lesson - Don't leave it up to the refs to help you at the end of the game. It would be nice, though, for the refs to watch the same game that everyone else in the arena is watching, and apply those simple rules they learned way back when they got their officiating certificates.

 

[jocohawk]

I didn't think the refs were outrageous.

Michigan had 4 possessions in the second half that I believe were 3 layups and a dunk. This is where I think the game went down hill. This late in the year and Iowa is still not identifying the shooter and they aren't able to guard in major stretches.

If Gatens hits some key open threes etc. Iowa wins this game.

 

[tweeterhawk]

I thought the officiating crew had an average to above average game, especially considering the fact it included Hightower. There were a few calls I yelled at the TV screen and I thought Beilein's "T" bought him exactly what he wanted -- more favorable calls on his end of the court.

Yeah, a lot of crap doesn't get called under the basket in the closing second. It's unfortunate -- it should be. But that's college basketball. The "Jim Bain" effect, perhaps?

 

[SirEdHightower]

I did notice Fran yelling at fast Eddie, "That's not your call! It's his!(pointing at a ref closer to the action)" on one occasion. Fran is clearly not a fan of the reffing that has been going on in the Big Ten.

 

[storminspank]

I did notice Fran yelling at fast Eddie, "That's not your call! It's his!(pointing at a ref closer to the action)" on one occasion. Fran is clearly not a fan of the reffing that has been going on in the Big Ten.

I noted that as well, very happy to see Fran say that to Ed.
Hightower makes so many calls that aren't his.

 

[hawkeyegrant]

Ed Hightower needs to relax. I don’t know what it is with this guy, but he seems to think the game is more about him than the players. I’m not saying Iowa lost because of him, because he did the same thing to Michigan. But it’s the way he calls a game that drives fans to drink. How does Iowa play just over a week ago against Wisconsin and play a whole second half with neither team getting into the bonus? That game was just as hard fought and physical, yet the refs let the players play. Saturday, Hightower and crew decided to call every hand check call they could and both teams were in the bonus with ten minutes to go. And his call on Michigan’s last possession was a perfect example of a time you should be swallowing the whistle and letting them play. No one bought tickets to see you make a fancy blocking foul call, Ed.

 

[tweeterhawk]

Time for another Fast Eddie excursion through PhotoShop? I don't have the program but if I did I would be tempted to suggest that our favorite referee may have been photographed recently in England.

Kayakers snap photo of England’s version of the ‘Loch Ness Monster’ | The Upshot Yahoo! News

 

[Casey388]

It would of been nice to get the call, but the officiating was much better during the Michigan game than it has been for a majority of the big ten season. That being said, they still missed quite a few calls. But unlike the other games, Iowa actually had a few questionable calls in their favor. I think this loss sits squarely on the players shoulders.

 

[tweeterhawk]

It would of been nice to get the call, but the officiating was much better during the Michigan game than it has been for a majority of the big ten season. That being said, they still missed quite a few calls. But unlike the other games, Iowa actually had a few questionable calls in their favor. I think this loss sits squarely on the players shoulders.

I also think Fran got out-coached in this game. For example, on Iowa's last possession in regulation time, everyone knew it was going to be a clear-out for Cartwright to drive the right side of the basket and take the shot. As soon as he did, Michigan collapsed on him and into the lane.

Instead of taking the shot, Cartwright should have dished to a driving Hawkeye (Basabe or May for the layup or jam and/or foul).