Iowa-Florida refs got it right not ejecting Folgueiras for 'punch'

When referees blow a call that changes the outcome of a big game, we never hear the end of it. From media to fans, the outrage is usually swift and loud. Including here at FTW, where we've been known to call out some egregious mistakes. Which is why I feel compelled to acknowledge a call refs actually got right yesterday in Iowa's upset win over defending champion Florida. Before Alvaro Folgueiras hit the game-winning 3-pointer to carry the 9-seed Hawkeyes to victory, he got into a brief scuffle with Florida's Alex Condon in the first half that resulted in the two receiving technical fouls. However, Folgueiras very easily could've been ejected from the game depending how the officials interpreted the altercation. In real time, Folgueiras appeared to throw a punch at Condon, which absolutely would've resulted in an ejection. The broadcast crew was certain Folgueiras would be tossed. However, a second look at the play added enough doubt that officials allowed him to remain the game. Not long after, he sank the shot that drowned the Gators. It was the right call. If Folgueiras intended to hit Condon, there was an opening to do it, and he didn't take it. That was all I needed to see, and thankfully, refs rolled with the same logic. That was far from a given. In an effort to gain a sense of control over a fiery competition, officials could have overreacted and unnecessarily injected themselves into the game like we've seen so many times in the past. Instead, they gave the players the benefit of doubt and let them settle it on the floor. Without knowing the butterfly effect of a Folgueiras ejection, we can't say Florida definitely would have won if he got tossed. Only that it was more likely. But what we do know is what happened with him still in the game: Iowa's first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999. Good on the refs for not robbing Folgueiras, the Hawkeyes and March Madness fans of that moment. Another March Madness Darling Also returning to the Sweet 16 for the first time since 1999 are the St. John's Red Storm. And they also got there on a game-winning shot in the final seconds, this one a layup by Dylan Darling at the buzzer to send 4-seed Kansas home. It was the junior guard's first made bucket of the entire game. Say what you want about Rick Pitino, but the man knows how to coach a basketball team to success. Quick hits: Hubert Davis on the hot seat ... Skattebo sorry ... and more This was For The Win's daily newsletter, The Morning Win. Did a friend recommend or forward this to you? If so, subscribe here. This article originally appeared on For The Win: NCAA refs got it right not ejecting Iowa's Alvaro Folgueiras for punch