As the Nebraska basketball team prepares for its final game of the regular season, frustrations are running high. That was obvious on Saturday when head coach Fred Hoiberg addressed the media, speaking about the Huskers loss to Ohio State in double overtime.
That game was marked by some rather odd officiating. There were some calls especially in the second overtime that more than a few Husker fans pointed to as the reason for the loss. It’s clear that while Hoiberg would never say the officials were the reason for the loss, he’s not happy about their performance.
“We can sit here and rehash every one of them — there’s a lot of them — but it’s not going to do us any good,” Hoiberg said on Saturday. “But, yes, I had a conversation. And he said most of my grievances, I was right on. Again, that doesn’t make me feel better, but that’s the process. And I know there’s nothing they can do about it.”
Nebraska basketball head coach had a spring festivus with the Big Ten officials
Hoiberg’s airing of grievances included an uncalled travel during an Ohio State inbounds pass — Saturday, Hoiberg called it a “soccer throw-in” — and said on his postgame radio show on Tuesday night that he didn’t agree with Brice Williams flagrant foul call that directly led to four Buckeye points.
“Listen — I like all those officials, that we had, I really do, I feel like I’ve got good relationships with those guys. They’re human, I get it. But there were some things I think could have solidified that game for us — and I’m not talking about the soccer throw-in on the sideline at the end of the game. There were several things before that happened, they weren’t called. They didn’t go in our favor. Which is frustrating because I think if you win that game, then we’re in. That’s what’s really frustrating to me.”
“In” means in the NCAA Tournament. Hoiberg is well aware that the season was on line against Ohio State.
The Nebraska basketball team has one more game this season. Sunday’s contest against Iowa likely doesn’t get them in. However, the Huskers still need to win. And they need to get past the issue of officiating.