The Elite Eight is winding down, and the Final Four is just days away. Duke and North Carolina State, longtime Tobacco Road foes, are battling for the final spot in the 2024 Final Four in Phoenix.
The 11-seeded Wolfpack are fighting for their tournament lives against 4-seeded Duke, one of the bluebloods in college basketball. It would be a heck of a thing if NC State picked up the win. With that said, another “heck of a thing” was an absurd technical foul called on NC State head coach Kevin Keatts.
Keatts reacted to a foul called on his Wolfpack. The referees didn’t seem to like that he was out of the coaching box, so they issued a technical foul without warning.
CBS commentator Bill Raftery, often known for his fun style and prowess, was audibly and blatantly frustrated with the technically foul call.
Bill Raftery speaking for most viewers on the technical foul call. 🏀🎙️👮♂️🦓 #MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/jHJKP5pbGs
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 31, 2024
Raftery spoke for many fans that were watching the game, hoping for an NC State upset. A call like that could suggest nefariousness. Needless to say, many fans weren’t pleased by the call.
I can’t believe they called that technical foul against Keats after they blew the call. Referees continue to be the worst. Embarrassing.
— Randy Wilkins (@pamsson) March 31, 2024
A referee just gave out a terrible technical foul in the Elite Eight and made himself the center of attention at a crucial time. You’ll never guess who it was. 🤦🏻♂️
— Toby Rowland (@TRowOU) March 31, 2024
Awful call followed by calling a technical foul on the NC State coach. Just brutal
— Frank Isola (@TheFrankIsola) March 31, 2024
Kevin Keatts just got a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct from Doug Simons. Keatts didn't like the call on the floor that NC State deflected the ball and Duke was awarded possession. He's still letting them hear it.
— Kyle Boone (@kyletheboone) March 31, 2024
Doug Sirmons called a hair-trigger technical foul? The hell you say
— Dan Lucero (@danluceroshow) March 31, 2024
Calling a technical foul on a coach with eight minutes left in the Elite 8 is clown activity
— Scott Coleman (@scottcoleman55) March 31, 2024
Obviously, NC State fans and hopefuls are wishing for the “Ball Don’t Lie” gods to swoop in and deliver a victory. To their credit, the Wolfpack still lead the Blue Devils with a few more minutes to go. A Final Four trip would be monumental for the NC State program, especially with how they began the month. Remember: They were a 10-seed in the ACC Tournament!
