Now I know it depends on where the games are played and where the refs are from – but it seems to me that watching an A10 team play a nonconference team away from an A10 venue, you can expect the refs are going to call a lot of fouls against the A10 team. Such was the case with Richmond Spiders against Colorado in a Fla tournament, although they did play a tight defense against them. And that very well could have cost the Spiders the game (who lost 64-59). 11 fouls for Spiders (made 8), 25 for Colorado – who made 21.
The Dukes generally commit more fouls than their opponents (even by A10 standards) and they’ll be playing at Nebraska Wednesday. Nebraska is not too great at foul shooting, while the Dukes are only 69% from the line.
However, here’s hoping the refs don’t assume the Cornhuskers are ‘facing another mugger from the A10,’ when the Dukes play their usual tight defense.
Foul calls and the ability to make foul shots, have a lot to do with the outcome…