Patrick Siller

It was a common scene during the men’s basketball team’s 57-56 loss Saturday at Rose Arena.

The crowd groaned and fans yelled; CMU coach Ernie Zeigler raced up and down the sidelines, throwing his hands in the air.

But this call had extra significance.

With CMU ahead 56-54 and less than 20 seconds remaining, time was running out for Eastern Michigan.

After failed attempts to get the ball inside, EMU freshman Antonio Green caught a pass at the top of the circle. He faked a 3-point shot, and defender Jordan Bitzer reacted.

“He made a heck of an intelligent play, to shot-fake and get the guy up there,” said EMU coach Charles Ramsey. “He’s not playing like a freshman this time of year.”

The whistle blew. EMU had three free throws and a chance to take the lead. Three made shots later, CMU had the ball with 13 seconds on the clock and a one-point deficit. It was the second foul on a 3-point attempt called on CMU.

“It’s very disappointing, especially when guys are doing what they’re coached to do,” Zeigler said. “In both instances, we were just standing there with our arms up.”

After junior Robbie Harman’s last-second layup missed, EMU escaped with a win.

But that’s not all Zeigler saw wrong with the officiating of David Walker, John LaRocca and Victor Montgomery.

With CMU ahead 46-40 with just less than 10 minutes remaining, junior Jacolby Hardiman drove toward the basket on a CMU fastbreak and was grabbed before he could convert an easy lay-in. On one side of the play, LaRocca called Hardiman for traveling. On the other side, Walker called EMU for an intentional foul.

The referees convened, and the traveling call stood. The result left Zeigler irate, along with many of the 1,309 in attendance.

“The official on the opposite side said he had a travel before (the other call),” Zeigler said.

EMU took the momentum and went on a 6-0 run to tie the game at 46 during the next two minutes.

Zeigler was upset after Wednesday’s 53-44 loss at Ball State, in which the Chippewas were called for 27 fouls compared to the Cardinals’ 12. CMU was called for 19 Saturday, while EMU was whistled for 14.

He said the last few games may prompt him to contact the Mid-American Conference. But he did not want to risk a fine after Saturday’s game.

“I can’t say what I really want to say about officiating in the MAC,” he said. “With witnessing the last few games we’ve had, there’s no question that level of officiating in our conference needs to be addressed.”

EMU made 28 trips to the free-throw line Saturday, while CMU went just 10 times.

“That’s all you can do, is verbalize your opinion and get a yay-nay response,” Zeigler said. “But nothing changes.”

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E-mail the author: Daniel Monson