BOSTON — Press Virginia’s effectiveness can rise and fall at the whim of one uncontrollable variable: the officiating.
Being whistled for 28 fouls against Villanova wasn’t the leniency the Mountaineers hoped for during Friday night’s Sweet 16 showdown. Then again, leniency isn’t something one of the nation’s most foul-prone teams has come to expect this season, a season that ended with a 90-78 loss.
“When the whistle keeps blowing it really takes away your aggression,” coach Bob Huggins said.
Point guard Jevon Carter was called for reaching in after only 58 seconds, and the Big 12 defensive player of the year picked up his third foul with 17:33 left in the game.