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Explorers Again See Opponents Bailed Out By Officiating
February 6, 2010
by Jack

Explorers Lose On Bail-out Call With 54.9 Remaining

Ref Alvin Cox Calls Yves Mbala Mekongo (#12) for a Foul Even Though No Contact Was Made By Mekongo

La Salle (11-12, 3-6) was leading the Saint Louis Billikens (14-8, 5-3) 65-64. The clock showed 56.0 seconds (see photo above) when Saint Louis player Kwamain Mitchell was in the air with the ball. Clearly Yves Mbala (number 12) did not touch him. Mitchell generated contact with his right leg on Yves. Both Yves and Aaric Murray (#24) went for the rebound after Mitchell started to fall to the ground and then a late whistle was heard from baseline official Alvin Cox at 54.9 seconds with Mitchell laying on the floor. What did ref Cox see that Yves did that no one else saw; remember Cox had one of the best vantage points. Yves was angry with the call but could not risk a technical at this point in the game. Mitchell hit both free throws in what became the deciding points of the game. Steve Lappas, who did the color commentary on the televised regional game on CBS College Sports, pointed out that it was not even close to being a foul.

Previously in the second quarter, Jerrell Williams (21 points - 13 in the second half, 7 boards) was called for 3 very questionable calls; this was also mentioned by Lappas. At 14:28 a call came from ref Jeff Janosik that surprised everyone including Jerrell. Then Cox put Saint Louis in the bonus with 10:24 remaining on a touch foul, something that was not called the entire game, against Williams. At 9:40 it was Cox who called him for a foul when he was on the floor and a Saint Louis player stepped backwards with the ball and fell on him!

In the first half it was Murray who had two quick calls against him. Doctor G was irate especially at the second call. Cox made the call when Murray's man bumped into him. Saint Louis coach Rick Majerus knew Murray would have to sit for awhile and this changed the game. Coach John Giannini has been victimized by corrupt officiating for the third straight game. I'd like to see the FBI investigate college basketball officiating. It is obvious to me that many games are being fixed.

Saint Louis 68, La Salle 65 FINAL. Explorer Top Performer of the Game: Jerrell Williams.

LaSalle shot 42% from the field on 22 for 52 (and 15% from beyond the arc on 2 for 13) and 83% from the foul line (19 for 23). Yves scored his 1,000th point in the game to become the 48th Explorer to do so.

Next Game: The Explorers travel to Duquesne at 2pm on Sunday February 14.

Grade for Officials: D (Below Average)

Box Score