Pair of Controversial Refs in Final Four

A pair of Big East referees involved in controversy have been assigned to work NCAA Men’s Final Four games.

Sports Illustrated reports James Breeding and Michael Stephens were involved in “highly disputed decisions this season.”

Breeding was part of a crew which officiated a “bizarre” Big East tournament semifinal between Seton Hall and Marquette. That game amassed 49 fouls including nine technicals, three ejections, four foul-outs, and 85 free throws.

Both Breeding and Stephens worked another Seton Hall game – against St. Johns.

A whistle was blown on what looked like a clean steal that would have sealed a victory for St. Johns. That play was eventually ruled dead by timing error. St. Johns lost.