Bill Self believes refs are ‘getting their marching orders’ to make calls

Kansas was able to protect home court against Kanas State on Tuesday night, getting revenge on their in-state rivals from a couple of weeks ago. The two splits the season series and will now compete for a Big 12 regular season championship from afar. Head coach Bill Self has to be happy with how his team played, even if whistles were being blown left and right.

A total of 47 fouls were called by officials at Allen Field House, nearly split down the middle. Kansas’ Kevin McCullar was the only player to foul out, while 10 other players finished the game with at least three fouls. Self called the constant calls “frustrating” when the bonus is being implemented so early.

“We’ve played game so far where neither team got to the bonus in the first half,” Self said. “This game tonight, both teams were in the double bonus with 10 left in both halves. A little frustrating to players and coaches but we’ve also got to learn how to adjust a little bit too.

Kansas State shot 36 free throws on the night, converting 31 of them. Kansas was not too far behind with 35 attempts but did not have as much success, only seeing 25 go through the hoop.

Self thinks officials are getting “marching orders” to call tighter contests. Even when two top 10 teams are lining up on the court, officials have been whistle happy.

“They’re getting their marching orders and I am sure they are,” Self said. “I haven’t talked to anyone about it but I am sure they are getting their marching orders to call tighter.”

Bill Self thinks Big 12 physical perception attracts whistles

Nonconference matchups do not usually take place this late in the college basketball season. The exception of late has been the Big 12/SEC Challenge, with Kansas traveling for a blue-blood showdown against Kentucky this past Saturday.

Most people describe the Big 12 as a “rock fight” according to Self and he believes that showed up at Rupp Arena. Just because Kansas reps its conference, the perception is they will be physical for all 40 minutes.

“Every time you hear an analyst talk about the rock fight in the Big 12, ‘every game is a rock fight.’ You hear about our game at Rupp the other night and talk about how physical we are and you guys have seen us play, we’re not physical at all,” Self said. “But people have that perception. That may play into it a little bit as well.”