In college basketball, a game with a high number of field goal attempts can be like a fast-paced game clock winding down—intense, chaotic, and full of what could be called “basketball poetry”. But when the number of free throws also skyrockets, it turns the game into a battleground not just for points, but for control. In the thrilling UMass vs. Fordham game, this chaos reached a fever pitch, raising the question: when does officiating start to overshadow the game itself?

The January 16  showdown between UMass and Fordham, which ended in a triple-overtime thriller with the Minutemen edging out the Rams 120-118, turned into a game not only of records but of relentless fouls and free throws. UMass and Fordham combined for a staggering 122 free throw attempts. In a matchup that felt like a fast break gone wild, UMass’s Rahsool Diggins dropped a jaw-dropping 46 points, helping the Minutemen to secure the victory. But fans couldn’t help but fixate on one thing—the officiating.

“Look how many free throws were attempted between UMass and Fordham tonight,” a fan posted on X, observing the 122 free throws attempted across both teams. This was no ordinary game; it felt like the referees were calling fouls on every possession, turning the hardwood into a free-throw line marathon.

With 169 field goal attempts between the teams, the offense was working overtime. But in a game where the pace was electric, the focus often shifted from the incredible plays to the seemingly endless parade to the free-throw line. The Minutemen’s 36 field goals came on 84 attempts, while Fordham shot 30 of 85.

The shooting percentages were low, but the number of fouls called seemed to keep the game in check, slowing down what could have been an even more fast-paced game. UMass’s 37-of-57 performance at the charity stripe, compared to Fordham’s 48-of-65, turned the game into a free-throw frenzy.

Officiating overload and prolonged overtime in college basketball leave fans frustrated

One fan was less than impressed with the flow of the game: “122 free throws is absolutely heinous work, I think I fouled out from watching,” highlighting the frustration many felt watching the game. By the end of the game, UMass had 39 fouls to the Fordham Rams’ 40.

But it wasn’t just the free throws that had fans talking—it was the sheer volume of fouls and the game’s prolonged duration. As one fan remarked, “Anybody have the actual time the game lasted tonight? Curious with 123 free throws and 3 OT. Over 3 hours 30 mins?”

By the end of the game, 9 players had each accumulated 5 fouls, highlighting just how out of control the officiating had become. The lengthy game, which stretched into triple overtime, tested the patience of even the most avid basketball fans.

College basketball games are known for their energy and pace, but when the action is constantly interrupted by free throws, it can feel like an exhausting tug-of-war. The frustration was palpable, with many fans noting the sense of officiating overload.

At the heart of it all, though, was a remarkable individual performance. Diggins’ 46 points were the story, not just for the sheer scoring output but for the determination to carry his team on his back. His performance set a new program record and tied for the eighth-highest total in Atlantic 10 Conference history. It was a thrilling moment in an otherwise grueling game. But no one could ignore the toll that constant stoppages took on the flow of the game.

In a sport where players are supposed to shine with agility, sharpshooting, and fast breaks, the excessive fouls and the drawn-out free-throw process can make one thing abundantly clear: college basketball officiating is getting way out of control. As one fan summed up the night, “College basketball officiating is getting way out of control.”

As the final buzzer rang and UMass celebrated its victory, there was no denying the sense that this game—marked by high-scoring plays and fouls—had become a spectacle for the wrong reasons. What was meant to be a thrilling showcase of athleticism and skill instead became a talking point about how officiating had influenced the outcome, with free throws dominating the final story.

As the final tally showed, the Minutemen had earned a win, but the lingering question remains: at what point do the referees become the most important players in the game?