When UConn came out victorious against Creighton and Seton Hall entered Saturday’s clash on a 9-game losing streak, there were more than a few predictions of the dominant side. But the Huskies were stunned twice, one leading to overtime and another a loss. It was turning out to be a thriller none anticipated. However, the excitement was drawn out as the minutes stretched.
What was expected to be at most a two-hour game, dragged on for near three with the stoppages. UConn’s heartbreaking 69-68 loss wasn’t just a blow to their record—it was a reminder of how replay reviews aren’t getting all the nods.
Keith Taylor, an award-winning journalist, summed it on X: “There is no way a college basketball game should take almost 3 hours to complete. Replays are destroying the game.” His tweet echoed the sentiment of fans nationwide, who watched UConn’s dramatic collapse unfold.
There is no way a college basketball game should take almost 3 hours to complete. Replays are destroying the game
— Keith Taylor (@keithtaylor21) February 15, 2025
The second half was a rollercoaster. UConn, trailing for most of the game, clawed back behind Alex Karaban’s 20-point effort and Hassan Diarra’s clutch free throws. With under a minute left, UConn led 57-50, but Seton Hall’s Dylan Addae-Wusu had other plans. He scored eight points in the final 40 seconds, including a game-tying three with five seconds left, forcing overtime.
In OT, UConn’s Tarris Reed Jr. gave the Huskies a 68-63 lead with a reverse layup. But Seton Hall’s relentless defense and UConn’s inability to inbound the ball proved costly. A five-second violation, a full-court pass gone wrong, and a critical turnover sealed their fate. Seton Hall’s Scott Middleton tapped in the game-winner with three seconds left.
This wasn’t just another loss. UConn’s road struggles against Seton Hall continued, marking their fourth straight defeat in New Jersey and 8th for the season. The Huskies’ 16 turnovers and 37% shooting didn’t help, but the real story was the game’s pacing. Replays disrupted the flow and the fans weren’t having it.
UConn’s Marathon Meltdown: Fans demand NCAA fix
The iconic college football rivalry game between Alabama and Auburn lasts an easy 3.2 hours. But add the festivities around it and you have found yourself in for hours more. The UConn vs Seton Hall game stretched so long, it had a fan remembering the Iron Bowl. “Almost as long as the real Iron Bowl,” a fan vented.
But looks like regular football games are being played to those minutes too. “Worse with football. It’s 4-4.5 hours of my life now to watch a game,” another added.
The review replays in basketball, however, have long been a concern. In 2021, during a game between Wisconsin and Iowa, the final minute was reportedly dragged to 20 minutes. Colorado Coach Tad Boyle had spoken up, saying that the way a replay is handled needs to be changed. Years in, the sighs continue to flow in.
“Men’s college basketball has to do something about the length of these games. Idk what’s going on but every game this season is taking SO long to finish,” another expressed.
Just last year, the NCAA introduced expanded video replay review that would allow officials to determine if a player’s foot was inbounds on a made shot before the clock expired. The committee approved it as another tool for the officials to get the call right. But looks like the measures have been taking a hit, ruining the fun for some.
“That was a terrible game to watch,” a user bluntly put. But it wasn’t all on the refs. For a better part, fans blame it on the fouls too. There were 15 called for each team on Saturday night with a total of 37 free throw attempts. “The replays are ridiculous, but it also seems like there’s more fouling than ever,” a fan expressed.
The NCAA Men’s Basketball Rules committee meets ups every two years to discuss rule changes. Mounting calls could grab the attention.
The post Calls Mount Against NCAA After College Basketball Community Grows Tired of UConn’s Long Overtime Drama appeared first on EssentiallySports.
