Bad SEC Officiating is Literally Hurting Teams' NET Ratings
College basketball fans have complained about terrible officiating all season. That is usually not a surprise, as refs are always known for blowing it.
However, SEC fans have a legitimate gripe this campaign because the bad officiating has a direct effect on the teams' chances of getting in the NCAA Tournament. Seriously.
It’s a Fact, SEC Officiating is the Worst in the Country #BBNhttps://t.co/PXyLFtS7Ou
— KY Insider (@KyInsider) February 26, 2020
The problem at hand comes down to the NET rating system used by the NCAA when determining tournament teams. Averaging more free throws per game is a bad thing for a team's rating and the SEC officials are calling fouls like there's no tomorrow.
Someone asked how the SEC’s fouling and free throw stats compared to other conferences. Keep in mind that the SEC isn’t a great 3-point shooting league and conferences have different playing styles. pic.twitter.com/aqmi3xtfwx
— Blake Lovell (@theblakelovell) February 20, 2020
There is the potential chance that the teams are fouling more. But, that is unlikely when seeing how the entire conference shapes up to the rest around the country.
The SEC will need to address this problem with officials and maybe tell them to ease up on so many foul calls. It is bad for the players, the fans, and for the conference's bottom line if it keeps teams out of the Big Dance.