Back on The Hoosiers’ defeat to the Wildcats is a painful setback for an Indiana team looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. Don’t anticipate any sympathy from Badgers supporters who know firsthand how a referee’s ruling can affect a game in Assembly Hall.
Perhaps the greatest lesson we can learn from games that conclude like this is to never put yourself in a position where a referee’s decision determines the outcome. Wisconsin Badgers supporters got to experience that feeling earlier this month. Now, Indiana Hoosiers supporters understand how Badger fans felt on February 7, when the Wisconsin Badgers lost a hard overtime game to the Indiana Hoosiers 78-77. With the Badgers ahead 77-76 in the final 15 seconds of the game, Nick Boyd was penalized for an offensive foul, allowing Indiana one final shot. Greg Gard described it as a call he “never seen anything like that. “
On the next possession, a contested foul call on John Blackwell enabled Hoosiers guard Lamar Wilkerson to make two free throws, securing the game. It was a painful defeat, with even Badger great Sam Dekker furious after the game.
Since losing to Indiana, the Badgers have gone 3-1, including victories over two top-ten teams. The Hoosiers, on the other hand, have gone the other direction, with a 1-3 record. That third defeat on Tuesday at home against Northwestern may have been a beneficial dose of karma.
Badger supporters cheer as a contentious call goes against Indiana.
Some Badgers fans were quick to rub salt in the wound
With Northwestern leading 71-68, Indiana’s Tucker DeVries fired a three-point attempt that sailed wide of the hoop. However, replays revealed that Wildcat guard Angelo Ciaravino made contact with DeVries’ arm on the shot attempt, potentially granting DeVries three free throws to tie the game.
The Hoosiers’ defeat to the Wildcats is a setback for an Indiana squad looking to return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2023. Do not expect sympathy from Badgers fans, who are all too aware of how a referee’s call may change a game in Assembly Hall.
Perhaps the most important lesson we can learn from games that conclude in this manner is: Do not put yourself in a position where a referee’s judgment determines the outcome. Wisconsin Badgers fans got to experience that sensation earlier this month. Indiana Hoosiers supporters now know how Badger fans felt on February 7th.
