The Kentucky Wildcats’ 99-70 loss to Alabama in the SEC Tournament has sparked outrage among fans, who are calling for an investigation into the biased officiating that they believe cost their team the game.
From the opening tip, it was clear that the referees were going to play a major role in the game. Kentucky’s big men, Otega Oweh and Brandon Garrison, were forced to sit for large stretches of the game due to foul trouble. Meanwhile, Lamont Butler and Koby Brea were struggling to get open looks at the basket due to the tight defense and questionable calls.
“It was like the refs had it out for us,” said one frustrated Kentucky fan. “Every time we tried to make a comeback, they would call a foul on us. It was ridiculous.”
The officiating was so one-sided that even the announcers were commenting on it during the game. “This is a very physical game, and the referees are letting a lot of contact go,” said one announcer. “But it seems like every time Kentucky tries to make a play, they’re getting called for a foul.”
Kentucky coach Mark Pope was also visibly frustrated with the officiating during the game. He was whistled for a technical foul in the second half, and was seen arguing with the referees on several occasions.
“I’m not going to comment on the officiating,” Pope said after the game. “But I will say that I’m proud of my team for fighting hard and never giving up. Guys like Otega Oweh and Ansley Almonor are going to learn from this experience and come back stronger.”
The loss to Alabama was a tough one for Kentucky, but the Wildcats are already looking ahead to the NCAA Tournament. They will find out their seeding and opponent on Selection Sunday.
In the meantime, Kentucky fans are calling for an investigation into the biased officiating that they believe cost their team the game. “We demand answers,” said one fan. “The SEC needs to take a closer look at the officiating in this game and make sure that it’s fair and impartial.”
