March Madness: Did refs prematurely end South Dakota State’s 21-game win streak?

This isn’t to take anything away from the Providence Friars, who were a popular pick to be upset in the first round on Thursday. But South Dakota State was robbed of an opportunity.

Providence guard Jared Bynum held the fate of South Dakota State’s 21-game win streak in his hands, but it was his leg that ultimately ended up making the difference.

With the Friars holding on by a thread, Bynum jacked up a three-pointer with the shot clock winding down. In doing so, he stuck out his leg just enough to make contact with the South Dakota State defender, earning a foul and three free throws on a call that should not have been made in the first place.

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South Dakota State: College basketball media and fans react to bad foul

Credit where it’s due — Bynum stepped up to the free throw line and sunk all three shots from the charity stripe. Doing so under immense pressure isn’t easy, especially with the entire arena erupting over a tough call against South Dakota State.

Providence proved they belonged, and very well could’ve won this game anyway. Yet, the officials robbed them of their moment, as well. Instead, Bynum’s leg is the storyline, not the resiliency shown by Ed Cooley’s group when pushed to the brink.

Providence’s defense held South Dakota State well below their season average in points.

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