In the second half of NC State's Elite 8 game against Duke, NC State head coach Kevin Keatts was hit with a puzzling technical foul. It came at a time when the game was in the balance with the Wolfpack leading 48-40.
Keatts was apparently hit with the "T" because he was outside the coaching box. That's a rule that is seldomly enforced in college hoops.
Naturally, social media had plenty to say about the call. As you can imagine, most were sympathetic to Keatts.
NC State HC Kevin Keatts has received a technical foul for potentially knocking out a Duke team that might make the networks a lot of money.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) March 31, 2024
Raftery rightfully ALL OVER that trigger-happy technical. Do we have previous warnings for Keatts? I honestly don't know. Play wasn't even happening.
— Matt Norlander (@MattNorlander) March 31, 2024
NC State HC Kevin Keatts has received a technical foul for potentially knocking out a Duke team that might make the networks a lot of money.
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) March 31, 2024
Cheap, cheap mall cop T on NC State coach Kevin Keatts.
— Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) March 31, 2024
Coaches have been egregiously out of the coach’s box the entire season, that was a tough technical call on Keatts especially without a warning
— Tate Frazier (@tatefrazier) March 31, 2024
Since that call, NC State has held onto the lead as they currently have a 60-50 lead over the Blue Devils. Thus, it doesn't appear that the call is going to be what this game hinges on, fortunately.
Still, many see this as an example of a pro-Duke bias from the officials and perhaps the NCAA. Whether or not that is true is going to be up to each individual but it does make for some fun social media fodder.
Of course, the nation is enjoying Keatts' team and its run through March. After going just 17-14 in the regular season and entering the postseason on a four-game losing streak, the Pack is on the verge of a Final Four run after winning five games in five days to win the ACC Tournament title.
By doing so, Keatts has coached his way off a potential hot seat and into the hearts of people across the country.
NC State entered the ACC tournament on a 4-10 run. Kevin Keatts was going to be fired.
— Brad Powers (@BradPowers7) March 31, 2024
Now they're heading to the Final Four.
As good of a 3-week run as any in the history of college basketball.
Maaaaan. If they finish… Keatts went from Hot Seat to a Final Four seat. 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼
— DJ A-T-M (@AdamMaddox_) March 31, 2024
I think all of Cardnation’s behind Coach Keatts!