Coach Richard Pitino raised an important question to Lobos officials following a major loss to Michigan State
The New Mexico Lobos put up a surprisingly strong fight against the second-seeded Michigan State Spartans on Sunday night before ultimately losing 71-63 in the NCAA Tournament’s second round. Head coach Richard Pitino expressed his candid feelings about the game afterward.
Despite holding a 31-29 lead at halftime, the Lobos couldn’t maintain their momentum in the second half, as the Spartans outscored them 42-32.
After the game, Richard Pitino, son of the renowned St. John’s Red Storm coach Rick Pitino, had some choice words for the officiating regarding the abundance of free throws awarded to Michigan State, which helped them take control.
Pitino particularly noted the fouls against big man Nelly Junior Joseph, whose fouling out late in the game had a significant impact given it was a tightly contested matchup.
“Yeah, I think someone mentioned he hadn’t fouled out since last year,” Pitino noted. “I found the third and fourth fouls to be quite questionable; they could have gone either way.
“I’m not sure that was the reason we lost.”
Joseph picked up his fifth foul with just 2 minutes and 12 seconds left in the game, which sidelined him for the remainder of the match.
The Lobos only attempted 11 free throws, while the Spartans had 22.
“They’re big, strong, and athletic,” said Pitino, formerly of the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
“They made some impressive blocked shots from behind that I hadn’t seen all year.
“Clearly, they possess a level of athleticism we’re not used to.”
No Comment! Be the first one.