[biketoc]

Thanks to all the great posts about the game, but also about the state of WBB.  As far as the game, yes there were so many foul calls not made.  We sit behind the north basket and there were so many "no calls" both on shots and rebounds. (There were also many missed shots where there were no fouls committed). This was another poorly officiated game.  Give credit to UCLA and Coach Close.  They were prepared and didn't let up.

I think the women's game has improved so much over the last 5+ years.  There were always a dozen or so good teams, but the ability of players and teams dropped off dramatically after that.  Now, there are many more really good players and teams and the officiating has not kept pace.  I also agree with the comment above about the game moving more towards the men's game; I don't like that trend either.  I think the NBA is more of a mashup of WWE and basketball than true basketball.  I don't like that so much of the game is above the rim and is all about who can push who around without getting called for a foul.  I love that strategy plays such a big part of the women's game and that with the number of really good teams increasing, strategy has become so much more important.  (how many of you thought we would see Tara employ a zone defense as often as she has?)  It can be very frustrating to watch this awful officiating, but it is a joy to watch these young women develop from year to year and to also see a game that is much closer to the basketball that I grew up watching and playing.

A final note about Missy.  What bothers me the most about her officiating is that she seems to feel the need to make calls for other officials.  She often makes a call that she really doesn't have the angle on.  Quite often the official that is in position and has the angle to see whether there is contact of not doesn't make a call and yet Missy blows the whistle.

[biketoc]

Thanks to all the great posts about the game, but also about the state of WBB.  As far as the game, yes there were so many foul calls not made.  We sit behind the north basket and there were so many "no calls" both on shots and rebounds. (There were also many missed shots where there were no fouls committed). This was another poorly officiated game.  Give credit to UCLA and Coach Close.  They were prepared and didn't let up.

I think the women's game has improved so much over the last 5+ years.  There were always a dozen or so good teams, but the ability of players and teams dropped off dramatically after that.  Now, there are many more really good players and teams and the officiating has not kept pace.  I also agree with the comment above about the game moving more towards the men's game; I don't like that trend either.  I think the NBA is more of a mashup of WWE and basketball than true basketball.  I don't like that so much of the game is above the rim and is all about who can push who around without getting called for a foul.  I love that strategy plays such a big part of the women's game and that with the number of really good teams increasing, strategy has become so much more important.  (how many of you thought we would see Tara employ a zone defense as often as she has?)  It can be very frustrating to watch this awful officiating, but it is a joy to watch these young women develop from year to year and to also see a game that is much closer to the basketball that I grew up watching and playing.

A final note about Missy.  What bothers me the most about her officiating is that she seems to feel the need to make calls for other officials.  She often makes a call that she really doesn't have the angle on.  Quite often the official that is in position and has the angle to see whether there is contact of not doesn't make a call and yet Missy blows the whistle.