“I hope they don’t f— you like they f—-d us.” Dan Hurley didn’t just fire a shot at NCAA officials—he sent a warning to all of college basketball. His words put a spotlight on the growing frustration with officiating, hinting at a pattern of questionable calls that could haunt other teams, too. And sure enough, it didn’t take long for controversy to strike again.

In a heated Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins showdown, fans blasted Todd Golden for not pushing back harder against what they saw as outright unfair calls. But it’s not just the men’s game feeling the heat—March Madness on the women’s side is dealing with the same drama. Kim Mulkey’s squad? They might be the latest victims of this alleged officiating mess.

The ongoing matchup between the LSU Tigers and NC State Wolfpack had the former leading by 54-51 as 1:59 minutes remained in the 3rd quarter. Throughout the game, reports started to emerge of the referees allegedly making foul calls only against the Tigers. Well, fans who are watching the game live did not choose to take the ‘unjust’ alleged bias in stride.

Basketball fans ask Kim Mulkey to take a stance against referees

One social media user highlighted his criticism by writing, “I’m sorry but these Refs ARE F—–G @LSUwbkb right up. No way they spent the entire 2nd quarter only calling fouls one way. Like that’s mind blowing #NCAAWBB #MarchMadness2025 #GeauxTigers”.

The absence of foul calls had an impact on LSU’s progression throughout the game. LSU reportedly came out firing during the 1st quarter, as the squad shot 46% in the first quarter, and held NC State to 30%. The team had a 23-15 lead after one. However, within the first three minutes of the second quarter, NC State tied the game at 25. By the time that quarter was over, LSU was trailing 40-36. Not a great morale booster going into the next half, and the no foul calls only made things worse.

One individual wrote, “Refs outscored LSU 25-11 that quarter”. As highlighted above, they sure did. The Wolfpack roared back with a 25-point outburst in the 2nd quarter, with Zamareya Jones scoring 11 points and 3 3-pointers. Aziaha James was right behind her with 10 points. Fortunately, LSU soon kept the foul calls and the scoring outburst from the rival team to a side in the 3rd quarter, and scored 13 of the first 18 points to re-take the lead 49-45.

One social media user wrote, “You mean to tell me NC State had zero fouls in the second quarter against LSU? Yeah okay refs make it more obvious😂”. According to the Play-By-Play analysis provided by ESPN, the extent of how bad things were for LSU in the 2nd quarter became apparent. Aziaha James was given 2 free throws as 9:48 minutes remained in the 2nd quarter. James was again called for a free throw as 2:06 minutes remained.

Zoe Brooks made 2 during the quarter’s final minute, but only 1 went through. Then, right before this 10-minute period could finally end, Madison Hayes made 2 free throws. The LSU Tigers, meanwhile, had only missed layups, missed 3-pointers, and a few turnovers to show.

One individual wrote, “NC state did not foul a single time in the second my a–. These refs blow.”

Team officials have not publicly called out any alleged biased calls by the referees. If there is someone who would have had something to say in such a situation, then it would have been Kim Mulkey. After all, the LSU head coach did not previously hold back when her team lost to the then No. 20 Alabama back in late February.

She openly stated “That was a poorly officiated game, and I bet if you ask (Alabama coach) Kristy Curry, she’ll tell you the same thing. It wouldn’t have mattered if we would’ve won or lost. Too much stopping. Think of all the things you saw take place tonight.” Her silence after this game indicates that Mulkey was not too upset with the officiating this time around.

One social media user wrote “Refs vs LSU 🤣🤣”.

Even if that was the case, it did not matter in the end. Similar to the Florida Gators’ men’s squad, the referees might have allegedly shown bias, but both teams still walked away with the win. LSU had a close win against NC State by an 80-73 score.

Both teams were neck-to-neck in the final quarter, but Kim Mulkey’s squad kept their rivals at bay during the final minute. If it wasn’t for Aneesah Morrow, Sa’Myah Smith, and Mikaylah Williams leading the offensive effort, LSU could proudly call itself a member of the Elite Eight today.

Overall, the majority of reactions took a negative stance against the NCAA officials for their alleged ‘actions’ in the 2nd quarter. Fortunately, in the end, all’s well that ends well. LSU will next face either the UCLA Bruins or the Ole Miss Rebels in the tough fight for the Final Four.