Inexplicable UVM coach John Becker technical foul is most Duke moment of first half

Most of America wants the Duke Blue Devils to lose to the University of Vermont Catamounts in March Madness, but not the game's referees.

Duke has the size, recruiting advantage, and ACC tenacity (which kind of, sort of still matters -- at least they're not the SEC!), but the Blue Devils have certainly lost to worse teams over the years. Mercer and Lehigh come to mind immediately, as well as NC State last week (kidding!).

But, early on in Friday's contest when the officials declined to show any deference to Vermont guard Shamir Bogues after he received hard contact on a drive, UVM head coach John Becker took advantage of the opportunity to let 'em know exactly how he felt about them. You know, to set the tone.

This chance to voice what's on your mind is typically afforded to the Jon Scheyers of the world, but Becker? Not so much; he was swiftly t'd up, showing that you can argue if you're a blue blood, but don't even think about it if you wear green and gold.

March Madness: UVM coach John Becker held to different standard than Duke Blue Devils

Take it from those who were in the building; no one had, uh, any idea what was going on here.

Duke, in a primetime display of "Ball Don't Lie," managed to make only one of the two free throws that were erroneously awarded to them. If you're not allowed to get hot under the collar anymore, in this economy, then what exactly are you allowed to get hot under?!

Whether the tech lit a fire under UVM has yet to be determined at the half. Vermont has continually outhustled the Blue Devils, turning a number of jumbled possessions into multiple turnovers. Unfortunately, they've been unable to convert multiple one-and-one opportunities to aid their cause, and still remain a good deal behind their more ballyhooed opponent.

Surely, their coach will remain even-keeled about all this in the locker room.