NCAA Officials Blamed for Injustice to LSU as Kim Mulkey’s Lady Tigers Struggle Early Against NC State

The NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, held annually to crown the best college basketball team in the nation, often sees high-intensity matchups between powerhouse programs. One such matchup in the 2025 tournament brought the #2 seed LSU Tigers, led by head coach Kim Mulkey, face-to-face with the formidable NC State Wolfpack. As the two teams squared off in a game filled with high stakes, intense emotions, and unpredictable turns, controversy surrounding the officiating led to widespread criticism of the referees and calls for a closer examination of how the NCAA handles officiating in critical games.

LSU, one of the most storied programs in women’s basketball, entered the game with high hopes. Under the leadership of Kim Mulkey, who had already proven herself as one of the best coaches in the country, the Tigers were expected to advance deep into the tournament. Their roster, led by star players, was stacked with talent. However, the team’s quest for a national championship began with a surprising struggle against the NC State Wolfpack.

While NC State is always a tough competitor, LSU’s early struggles seemed to be exacerbated by an array of questionable officiating decisions. From missed calls to inexplicable fouls, the refereeing performance was a focal point for critics and fans alike. Many analysts and fans pointed out that these questionable officiating decisions were a major contributing factor to LSU’s inability to gain any significant rhythm or traction in the early part of the game.

The Impact of Poor Officiating

One of the main reasons the issue of officiating became such a dominant narrative in this game was the timing and nature of the calls. The first half saw a flurry of foul calls against LSU, many of which were contested. The officials seemed quick to whistle LSU players for contact, while similar plays on the other end of the court often went unnoticed. This disparity in foul calls disrupted LSU’s flow and led to key players, like star guard Alexis Morris, being forced to sit for long stretches due to foul trouble.

In contrast, NC State seemed to have far more leniency from the officials. The Wolfpack were allowed to play more physical defense without suffering the same scrutiny that LSU faced. For example, several instances of NC State defenders getting away with holding or excessive contact in the paint were not called, frustrating LSU’s players and fans alike.

Coach Kim Mulkey, known for her fiery personality and intense demeanor, did not shy away from speaking out against the officiating. During a crucial timeout, Mulkey was seen visibly arguing with the officials, calling attention to what she saw as blatant inconsistencies in how the game was being officiated. Mulkey’s outbursts were not merely about her team’s struggles—they were about what she saw as an injustice being done to her players.

The Struggle of LSU’s Stars

LSU’s star players, such as Angel Reese, were forced to battle not only their opponents but also the referees. Reese, who is known for her dominance in the paint and ability to generate fouls through physical play, found herself frustrated and limited in the first half due to the officials’ treatment. The refereeing led to her being less aggressive, as she had to temper her usual style of play to avoid additional fouls. Her struggle to find a rhythm was symbolic of the broader struggles that LSU faced in the opening half.

Alexis Morris, another key player, was similarly affected. As a senior leader and the Tigers’ main ball handler, Morris typically thrives in high-pressure situations. However, she struggled to establish herself in the game after being repeatedly called for fouls that many thought were marginal or even non-existent. This led to a poor shooting performance, and she ended the first half with minimal points, a rarity for someone of her caliber.

On the defensive end, LSU struggled to contain NC State’s high-powered offense. The physicality of the Wolfpack’s playstyle was one of the key reasons LSU was forced to adjust their defensive strategy. While NC State players routinely initiated contact without drawing fouls, LSU defenders were penalized for even the slightest contact. This disparity further added to LSU’s frustration.

The Emotional Toll on LSU

The effect of the officiating was not just tactical; it was emotional. Players, especially the younger ones, were visibly rattled by what they perceived as unfair treatment. The frustration boiled over at times, with LSU players not only expressing their discontent verbally but also through their body language. There was a palpable sense of injustice in the way the game was unfolding, and the emotional toll was evident as the Lady Tigers were unable to maintain their focus and composure. In moments like these, Mulkey’s leadership became even more crucial as she attempted to rally her players to push through adversity.

The emotional aspect was further amplified by the packed arena. The crowd, largely in favor of LSU, erupted in frustration with each call they believed was unjust. Every missed call or bad decision by the referees was met with loud boos and jeers, creating an atmosphere of discontent that spilled over to both teams.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability

The controversy surrounding the officiating in the LSU vs. NC State game raised important questions about the NCAA’s officiating process. Fans and pundits alike were quick to point out that the inconsistencies in officiating had the potential to alter the course of the game. The nature of the calls had an immediate impact on LSU’s ability to execute their game plan and forced them into uncomfortable positions. These are the types of issues that can make or break a team’s tournament hopes, and many felt that LSU was on the receiving end of a raw deal.

One of the recurring themes in the aftermath of the game was the call for better training, evaluation, and accountability for NCAA officials. Many pointed out that the officials should be held to higher standards, especially when the stakes are as high as they were in this tournament game. While no one expects officiating to be perfect, the degree of inconsistency and the failure to make fair calls in critical moments of the game raised legitimate concerns.

There were also calls for more transparency in the officiating process. Some critics suggested that the NCAA should provide more insight into the decision-making process of officials, especially during high-profile tournament games. This could include publicly explaining controversial calls or allowing coaches and players to have a clearer path for appealing decisions.

Kim Mulkey’s Leadership Under Pressure

Throughout the course of the game, Kim Mulkey remained composed but visibly frustrated by the officiating. As a coach with a long and successful career, Mulkey is no stranger to adversity. She has won multiple national championships and has established herself as one of the most respected coaches in college basketball. Her leadership was on full display in this game, as she repeatedly urged her team to maintain their composure and focus despite the external pressures.

Mulkey’s ability to keep her team engaged despite the officiating challenges was remarkable. She continued to motivate her players, rallying them for what would ultimately be a hard-fought comeback effort in the second half. Even though the officials had seemingly tilted the playing field, Mulkey’s message remained clear: no matter the circumstances, her team was going to fight for the win.

Second-Half Adjustments and LSU’s Resilience

Despite the adversity, LSU made several key adjustments in the second half, slowly clawing their way back into the game. Mulkey made strategic changes to her lineup, giving her players more space to operate and attempting to adjust to the physical style of play that NC State had employed. These adjustments, combined with an improved defensive effort and offensive efficiency, helped LSU stay in the game.

Reese, for instance, became more aggressive in the second half, using her athleticism and skill to get to the basket more frequently. Alexis Morris also found her rhythm, hitting some key shots and helping to distribute the ball effectively. Though LSU managed to reduce the deficit, the damage done in the first half—thanks to the poor officiating—was too much to overcome, and NC State emerged victorious.

 A Lesson for the NCAA

While LSU’s defeat at the hands of NC State was difficult to digest for the Tigers and their supporters, the game ultimately shed light on important issues within the NCAA’s officiating system. The controversy surrounding the referees’ decisions exposed the need for improvement in how games are officiated, particularly in high-stakes moments. It also highlighted the emotional and tactical toll that questionable officiating can have on a team.

For Kim Mulkey and the LSU Lady Tigers, the defeat served as a reminder that despite the best efforts of players and coaches, external factors—such as officiating—can sometimes play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of a game. As the NCAA looks ahead to future tournaments, it’s clear that steps need to be taken to ensure that the integrity of the game is maintained and that teams are given a fair opportunity to compete at the highest level.