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Message: [QUOTE="Engineer90, post: 3115894, member: 9712"] Sorry but I can't agree about the refs. Again, people get worked up over the disparity in foul calls or the number of foul calls but rarely do people consider HOW the game is called and WHY that matters. Many people believe we want the refs to "just let them play". We have rarely had a team that benefits from a "just let them play" game. We usually have the more talented and skilled team that plays more of a finesse game that relies on movement and passing. The bottom line is that the outcome with our games at ND are totally dependent on how many fouls, and especially shooting fouls, are called against ND. Just look at our games from this year. In our earlier matchup, ND was called for 18 fouls and we took 20 FTs. In this game, ND was called for 12 fouls and we took only NINE FTs. Again, is it at least POSSIBLE that players will have a tough time finishing shots when they are being bodied or are anticipating being bodied? Same exact teams in the same season. 20 FTs = win, 9 FTs = loss. Not enough data you say? OK, how about last year's semifinal game. ND called for 11 fouls and UConn shoots SIX FTs. 6 FTs = loss, 20 FTs = win, 9 FTs = loss. And the game during the season last year? ND called for 16 fouls and UConn shoots 18 FTs and wins. 18 FTs = win, 6 FTs = loss, 20 FTs = win, 9 FTs = loss. See a pattern? And, to be clear, the 20 FT game was out of reach so it wasn't like those 20 FTs came at the end due to ND intentionally fouling. Another coincidence? Last year, in the semifinal game, UConn was up by 8 with less than 7 minutes in the game and this year they were up by 9 with less than 8 minutes to go. Comebacks can be due to great shooting but they can also be due to fouling and not getting called for all, if ANY, of them. Players stop driving when they are fouled and it isn't called. They don't stop getting fouls called because they stop driving. People need to get this chicken and egg thing right. Sure, one could argue that the kids need to learn to play through contact. Maybe this group does lack some mental toughness. But I am not going to completely fault them or Geno when the data says that there are other factors. Having said that, at least THIS YEAR, I can say that these teams are close and it is possible that ND just won. But last year? No, last year was a disgrace and a crime against the game itself. And, keep in mind, that last year was Katie Lou's best shot at being on the floor for a NC. That poor kid was robbed last year. THAT is why I will never tip my cap to ND. Well, that and Muffet being Muffet. [/QUOTE]

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