K-State coach Bruce Weber disappointed with officiating in 73-72 loss at KU

Kansas State basketball coach Bruce Weber was not happy with the officials following a 73-72 loss to Kansas on Saturday at Allen Fieldhouse.

“Our guys played their hearts out,” Weber said. “I am really disappointed with some of the calls, but we were all here last year and same thing.”

Weber was critical of officials Mike Stuart, Ray Natili and Kipp Kissinger for a number of calls that went against the Wildcats.

His biggest gripe was with a technical foul on point guard Cartier Diarra that came with 6:34 remaining. K-State led 59-57 at the time, and Makol Mawien had just blocked a driving shot attempt from Malik Newman.

Without explanation, Diarra picked up a technical for taunting. Diarra said he didn’t say anything to any KU players.

“I just congratulated my teammate on a block,” Diarra said. “That was that.”

The foul sent KU guard Devonte Graham to the line for a pair of free throws, and he made both to tie the score. Weber said he was never given an explanation for the technical.

“A technical shouldn’t make a difference in the game,” Weber said.

KU coach Bill Self didn’t think the officiating had a big impact on the game.

“If that’s a reason for losing or losing a great game,” Self said, “that was a great college basketball game where two teams played their butts off. I don't buy into that all.… At all.”

Weber was also upset that K-State lost a late possession on an officiating review during a timeout. Weber entered the timeout expecting K-State to have the ball and drew up a play. As the timeout ended, officials informed him the ball belonged to Kansas.

He entered the game with last year no-call still fresh on his mind – Svi Mykhailiuk got away with a travel on the game-winning play.

When asked if he was disappointed with other foul calls Saturday, Weber avoided details and encouraged media members to ask ESPN commentator Fran Fraschilla what he thought about the game.

“I am sure there were, yes,” Weber said. “I want to keep my job. I don’t want to get fined. I have worked too hard.”

This story was originally published January 13, 2018 at 3:55 PM with the headline "K-State coach Bruce Weber disappointed with officiating in 73-72 loss at KU."