Duke Blue Devils File Petition to Investigate All South Carolina Gamecocks Games: NCAA Tournament Referees Under Fire Over Controversial South Carolina-Duke Officiating.

The 54-50 victory for South Carolina over Duke was anything but ordinary. While the game showcased some incredible moments of athleticism and determination, it was marred by several key officiating decisions that sparked an outcry. From questionable fouls to what some described as inconsistent calls, tensions were high as both teams fought tooth and nail for a spot in the Final Four.

In response to the controversy, Duke University took a bold step by filing a formal petition with the NCAA, demanding an independent review of the officiating not just for the South Carolina-Duke game, but for all South Carolina games in the tournament. The Blue Devils’ petition outlines several alleged instances of biased officiating in the game, citing specific calls that they claim impacted the outcome of the match.

The petition, signed by Duke’s athletic director and supported by numerous stakeholders, argues that the officiating in the South Carolina-Duke game was “egregiously flawed,” with referees making decisions that “compromised the fairness of the competition.” The Blue Devils are calling for a thorough investigation of all South Carolina games to ensure that the same inconsistencies are not present throughout their entire tournament run.

Duke’s petition has raised eyebrows across the country, with many questioning the motive behind such a dramatic action. While some believe the Blue Devils are simply looking for accountability, others argue that the move could be seen as sour grapes following a tough loss.

The NCAA has yet to comment on the petition but has confirmed that they are reviewing the complaints lodged by Duke. NCAA officials have stated that they take all allegations of biased officiating seriously and will conduct a thorough examination of the game in question. However, the NCAA has also emphasized that the process of reviewing refereeing calls is complex, and that any investigation would need to be conducted in accordance with established protocols.

NCAA Tournament Referees Under Fire Over South Carolina-Duke Officiating

South Carolina advanced to its fifth straight Final Four in the women’s NCAA Tournament after taking care of business against Duke on Sunday.

The top-seeded Gamecocks escaped the second-seeded Blue Devils, 54-50, with star Chloe Kitts sinking two pressure-packed free throws with only five seconds left to seal the win.

Duke led at the start of the fourth quarter, but South Carolina went to work and wrested the lead with 7:49 left. The reigning champions didn’t relinquish it for the remainder of the game.

After the win, coach Dawn Staley expressed her gratitude to the fans who continue to root for them.

“I feel like everywhere I go, I feel the love,” said Staley in a report from The Mirror US’ Tom Blow. “It’s incredible how much people recognize a figure like myself in women’s basketball.

“It’s an honor to give it back to them. It truly is an honor. It’s a necessity, and it’s something that we have to do, but the love is felt.”

Well, not everyone is loving them right now. Many viewers of the NCAA Tournament took to X to express their disgust at the officiating, which they claimed favored South Carolina.

“The refs for this South Carolina-Duke game need to be investigated IMMEDIATELY,” said a fan.

“Nah, these refs are trying to bail South Carolina out with these phantom foul calls. Doing Duke dirty,” added another fan.

“Duke can pull this win off against South Carolina. But against them AND the refs…I’m not too sure,” wrote an X user.

“Refs making sure South Carolina WBB wins this game against Duke. 4 touch fouls to 1 in the fourth quarter,” commented a fan.

“That was weird, the refs gave South Carolina the ball while Duke was huddled at the foul line,” observed another fan. “Don’t know if they warned them or not,”

“Refs bailing South Carolina out with fouls. Got to keep that Dawn Staley media aspect alive,” said a fan.

The Gamecocks were called for 13 fouls, while the Blue Devils were whistled for 18, including seven in the fourth quarter. South Carolina shot 13-of-20 from the free throw line, while Duke went 7-of-13.

South Carolina will face either Texas or TCU in the Final Four.