Debbie Antonelli was all of us. After a long slate of college hoops during the first day of the NCAA Tournament, she sought head official Greg Nixon to speed it along. As Texas Tech handled UNC Wilmington, 82-72, in the nightcap of Thursday’s slate, Nixon gave a lengthy explanation on a goaltending call with four minutes to play.
First and foremost, Antonelli appreciated the officials getting the call right on the floor, calling it a “good piece of officiating at this point in the game.” Her partner, Tom McCarthy, showered Nixon with praise for providing clarity. It wasn’t entirely what Gene Steratore does regularly, but McCarthy valued that everyone in the stands at INTRUST Bank Arena in Wichita, Kansas, and those watching at home received a detailed explanation. “By the way, Greg Nixon’s explanation, that’s the way it should be done,” McCarthy said. “Crystal clear and with a little extension of the story.”
That might be true, but he sure took his sweet time. Multiple pauses were used for dramatic effect, allowing the crowd to absorb the moment after he announced that the call on the floor would be “reversed.” “Upon review of the goaltending call, that will be reversed,” said Nixon. “As a result of the play, Texas Tech will now shoot two free throws — and the two points that were awarded will be taken off the board.” Great explanation. There’s just one problem: “Maybe speed it up a little,” Antonelli quipped.
“By the way, Greg Nixon’s explanation, that’s the way it should be done. Crystal clear and with a little extension of the story,” Tom McCarthy.
“Maybe speed it up a little,” Deb Antonelli.#MarchMadness pic.twitter.com/plCBKipryH
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 21, 2025
Perhaps that proves that even in March Madness, there’s such a thing as too much drama.
