DOUG FRANZ

Glad Ohio State won because refs gave Arizona a gift

Mar 29, 2013, 4:58 PM | Updated: Apr 28, 2015, 2:00 pm

Thank goodness Ohio State won that game Thursday night.

I say that without a dog in the fight. I picked New Mexico to win that game. From a rooting interest standpoint, I root against both schools, so I would be miserable no matter who won.

I was glad Ohio State won because replay has officially gone too far.

LaQuinton Ross made a 22-foot jumper to give Ohio State a three-point lead. With Arizona having no timeouts, the officials stopped the game to replay the last shot. I stress 22 feet because the three-point line is set at 20′ 9″. If the officials were checking to see if there was a foot on the line, we know they should be fired on the spot.

The officials wanted to check the clock to ensure it had stopped on the made basket. After evaluating, the clock was reset from 2.0 to 2.1. This is absurd. If Arizona had a timeout left and used it to set up a play, I’m all for a review. So what if UofA gets 90 seconds after stopping the play with a 30 second timeout? It’s entirely different for Arizona to be given a gift timeout.

Arizona already chose to use their last timeout to ensure a possession on a near jump ball. They gave up the right to set up a last play. The officials can’t give them both. Replay should be used to fix egregious errors, not as a crutch.

This isn’t the officials’ fault though, it’s the NCAA’s. The rule must be changed. If a team is out of timeouts, replay should only be used when there is clear confusion. If a referee notices the clock continue to run or a quick jab-step three, I understand going to the replay. In that rare instance, make the players go to a neutral corner.

The NCAA will do nothing, however, because they are a reactionary institution with little foresight. Since Arizona didn’t tie the game, the NCAA will see it as irrelevant. When a team benefits from this in a future game, the NCAA will act shocked as if there was no way to have seen the situation coming.

Doug Franz

Follow @AZSports...

Arizona Sports

Motivation Monday: What motivates Doug Franz

Here's what motivates Doug Franz on this Monday.

9 years ago

Arizona Cardinals' quarterback Carson Palmer (3) works out during an NFL football training camp, We...

Doug Franz

In Carson Palmer I trust

Every $19.95 invention grabbed my attention. If I buy now, I can get my offer doubled. However, this offer is not available in stores! From age 5 to 14, almost every time an ad came on TV with an incredible idea, my dad would say, “If the offer is too good to believe, don’t.” Dad, […]

9 years ago

Follow @doug987FMPresented By...

Doug Franz

Confidence, questions and concerns from Week 1 of Cardinals camp

Doug Franz gives us what he's confident about and what concerns him about the Arizona Cardinals.

9 years ago

Follow @doug987FMPresented By...

Doug Franz

Great does not make Todd Gurley right for the Arizona Cardinals

A completely healthy Todd Gurley will be a great player in the NFL. The Arizona Cardinals should not draft Todd Gurley.

9 years ago

Follow @doug987FM...

Doug Franz

In Ray Anderson they trust

All indications point to Jeff Capel as the next head coach of Arizona State.

9 years ago

Follow @doug987FM...

Doug Franz

On Arizona State’s coaching search: Sad, but true

There's zero buzz in the Phoenix marketplace for ASU basketball.

9 years ago

Glad Ohio State won because refs gave Arizona a gift