The title game of the NCAA Division I women’s basketball tournament last spring was unforgettable for a lot of good reasons.
LSU beating Iowa for its first title. A record television audience of nearly 10 million viewers. The spicy intensity between star players Angel Reese of the victorious Tigers and Caitlin Clark of the Hawkeyes.
The game will also be remembered for its controversial officiating, and The Associated Press has learned that an NCAA review concluded the refereeing did not meet expectations.
The organization had planned a review of NCAA tourney officiating after the 2024 event concludes in April, but it was sped up by a year after criticism of the showdown between Iowa and LSU.
NCAA vice president for women’s basketball Lynn Holzman said the officials were graded on the accuracy of their calls and the overall accuracy number fell short.