Starting up a new one....
As a graduate of Memphis (when it was Memphis State), I think the officials did a fantastic job. There were certainly judgement calls that could have been different...but no more in favor of one than the other. I do think there was a bit of showmanship going on in the officiating (mostly Hightower)....but not in a way that changed the game...only in drawing attention to themselves. I don't like it but it doesn't mean he's not a good official.
Memphis had the game won with 2-3 minutes left in regulation. But, the reason Memphis lost was three basic items:
- Missed FTs in the last couple of minutes of regulation
- Sloppy handling of the ball that lead to KU steals
- Dorcy playing aggressive defense on the sideline when he had 4 fouls
Up 3 with seconds to go, Memphis should have fouled a KU player before they got to a shooting position...send them to the line for 1+1 (or 2) instead of a chance for 3.