Frustration Over Officiating in Wisconsin-Green Bay Basketball Game
In a heated aftermath of the Wisconsin-Green Bay men’s basketball team’s narrow 75-72 defeat to cross-state rivals UW-Milwaukee on February 15, coach Doug Gottlieb did not hold back his frustration towards the officiating. The loss, which marked a significant moment in the Horizon League season, saw the Phoenix leading for a considerable part of a tumultuous second half filled with fouls, but Gottlieb’s anger peaked over a controversial loose-ball foul called against star player CJ O’Hara with just 4 minutes and 25 seconds left on the clock. This critical call, which was O’Hara’s fourth foul, turned the tide of the game, according to Gottlieb.
Gottlieb’s Technical Foul and Concerns
Earlier in the game, he received a technical foul, which he vehemently challenged, arguing that his actions did not warrant such a penalty.
“I need the new commissioner of the Horizon League to clarify what constitutes a technical foul. I stayed in my box, I didn’t use foul language, and I wasn’t overly demonstrative,”
he expressed to the media. Gottlieb’s frustration escalated when he noted an apparent double standard after his team was not awarded a foul on a potential game-winning shot just before the conclusion of the contest.
“Both teams had identical plays, yet only one was called in favor of Milwaukee,”
he remarked, slamming his fists on the table to emphasize his point.
Milwaukee’s Free-Throw Success
Milwaukee capitalized on their opportunities at the free-throw line, hitting 22 of 24 attempts in the second half despite struggling with free-throw shooting all season, averaging only 68.5% before the game. With this defeat, the Phoenix’s record stands at 15-13, placing them in a tie for third in the Horizon League at 10-7.
Conclusion
Gottlieb’s postgame outburst showcases the high tensions and stakes surrounding college basketball, especially in rivalry matchups where every call can significantly impact the game’s outcome.
“All we want is for the game to be officiated fairly,”
he concluded, reiterating his plea for clarity on officiating inconsistencies.
Originally reported by USA TODAY.
