Officials in Duke-Arizona Game Criticized by Fans
During Duke’s 100-93 Sweet 16 victory over Arizona on Thursday night in Newark, New Jersey, both teams delivered an impressive performance. However, the officiating left much to be desired.
From questionable and unnecessary fouls to inconsistent rule enforcement, officials Lee Cassell, Michael Greenstein, and Keith Kimbell faced heavy criticism for their handling of the game.
A total of 46 fouls were called—24 on Arizona and 22 on Duke—leading to 50 free throws attempted. The calls had a significant impact on the flow of the game, with two players fouling out and four others picking up four fouls each.
How is this a common foul when he hooked him and swung him to the ground lmao duke getting bailed out again pic.twitter.com/WFOOHAe5ZZ
— John (@iam_johnw) March 28, 2025
Arizona’s Jaden Bradley was hit with two questionable fouls in less than nine minutes, forcing him to sit out with 11:23 remaining in the first half as Arizona trailed 17-16. Duke quickly went on a 6-0 run following his departure.
Duke’s Khaman Maluach also collected two fouls in the first half, followed by his replacement, Patrick Ngongba II, who was called for two fouls within three minutes.
The numerous stoppages, 50 free throws, and the absence of key players on the court were major disruptions to the game.
How was this a common foul when just a min before it was a flagrant 1 on Bradley? https://t.co/iPQP7h9kbw
— Brandon Hudspeth (@azwildcatsfan81) March 28, 2025
One of the most obvious mistakes occurred when Ngongba II was involved in a clear hook-and-hold with Arizona’s Henri Veesaar in the second half, which should have been a flagrant 1 foul. Instead, after review, the officials only called a common foul.
Earlier in the game, a flagrant 1 was called on Arizona’s Bradley when he pulled Duke’s Kom Knueppel to the floor.
Fans from both teams were vocal about the officiating, expressing their frustration on social media over the contentious calls.
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