In defense of missed calls

Over-officiating has become a big problem in all sports in recent years with the growth of instant replay and the sophistication of the technology. But the negative side of such technological advancement has been on full display during this tournament.

People are noticing. Boos have been pouring out on a consistent basis when such long pauses in the action have occurred.

Last night, officials spent close to five full minutes reviewing the tip off with 4:57 left in overtime to see who started the period with the ball. Was getting the call right worth it? After a tremendous end to regulation keeping the pace of the game, to me, should have taken precedent over what I viewed as a relatively inconsequential decision.

I think we would all be happier knowing the referees got an out of bounds call wrong in the first half if it meant not having to watch four striped shirts huddled around a monitor while listening to the broadcasters struggle to ad lib.