Bill Self, Kansas upset with Big 12’s statement on blown call in Iowa State game

Kansas picked up a big win on Monday in a 108-96 win over Iowa State, thanks in large part to the 39-point performance from Elijah Johnson.

Following the win, the Big 12 came out with a statement, stating that officials had blown calls during the end of the game. Although the error in question was never officially addressed by the conference, it appears to be a play involving a no-call that resulted in Johnson shooting a pair of game-tying free throws.

On Thursday Bill Self made it clear he was not happy that the statement was even released by the league.

“I really believe, and I’m not speaking behind the Big 12 office’s back or anything like that, that I think we’re on the verge of crossing the line, that I think isn’t good,” Self told reporters.

“I am concerned that now,” Self added. “Have we opened up Pandora’s box that now anytime something happens in the future, now we have to make a comment about it? I always thought you handled your situations in-house.”

Johnson drove to the lane with 11 seconds and it appeared Iowa State freshman Georges Niang had position when contact was made. A block wasn’t called rather a hold on Niang following the missed layup. Johnson sank two free throws and KU pulled away in overtime.

Add Self’s displeasure with the conference’s statement to a growing list of problems that came from Monday’s game. Johnson dunked the ball emphatically to end the game, rather than dribbling out the clock, an unsportsmanlike act he later apologized for. Johnson would later received death threats from ISU fans. Self, while leaving the floor, was confronted by a fan before being restrained by security. The Cyclones took the loss and it may keep them out of the NCAA tournament after missing the opportunity to add a key win to their resume.

Terrence is also the lead writer at NEHoopNews.com and can be followed on Twitter: @terrence_payne