Frustrated Auburn fans give refs (and Yale fans) hell on social media
By Josh Yourish
It was rough for Auburn right from the start of the Tigers’ Round of 64 matchup against Yale. Jaylin Williams rolled his ankle and then Chad Baker-Mazara, the only player on the team with extensive NCAA Tournament experience, got ejected for elbowing Yale’s August Mahoney.
Throughout the game, without Baker-Mazara’s scoring punch, Auburn has struggled to get any separation from the Ivy League champs. Auburn fans have become frustrated with the officiating as Auburn has been whistled for 20 fouls to just 15 for Yale with three minutes remaining in the game.
The referee whistles in the Auburn-Yale game are Smitty Whistles - each whistle guaranteed for 10,000 blows per game.
— Auburn Alan (@SarcasmAndMore) March 22, 2024
Sure, you could get a cheaper whistle, but why would you?
The referees have been very involved in the game since its chippy start which, and without my pace or flow to the action, the more talented team hasn’t gotten to stretch its legs and extend its lead.
I honestly can’t believe how badly we’re getting jobbed by the refs right now. Yale is getting the benefit of every call. Every foul. Every non-call. Every out of bounds call. Everything.
— Sir Barnsalot (@barnsalot) March 22, 2024
Most fans are upset with the referees, but some have become frustragted with the player of the Tigers, who came into the tournament off an impressive SEC Tournament run. Even late in the game, Johni Broome was whistled for a foul going for a rebound which allowed Danny Wolf of Yale to tie the game. Yale is 16-25 from the free throw line.
Refs have kept Yale in this game but now our turnovers are threatening to give them control. Calm down, protect the ball, and clean up the passes.
— Amy Hyde (@Amy_Lissa) March 22, 2024
Other fans have started to dislike the preppy Ivy League fans of Auburn’s opponent. Guys like this celebrating could make a potential loss even tougher to stomach for Auburn fans.
no i refuse to lose to this guy’s team pic.twitter.com/pHC7Cyn8Xf
— Brice (@dBriceJ) March 22, 2024
Auburn is firmly on upset alert and not all by its own doing.