Controversial Foul Call in Iowa State-Houston Game Highlights Need for NCAA Challenge System Overhaul

Expanding replay to include all whistled violations could help avoid game-changing missed calls.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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In a close game between No. 6 Iowa State and No. 2 Houston, a controversial foul call that was not reviewable under the current NCAA challenge system proved pivotal. The missed call, which negated a Houston steal and led to an Iowa State 3-pointer, has reignited calls for the NCAA to expand its challenge system to include all whistled violations, not just limited categories.

Why it matters

This case highlights the limitations of the NCAA's current challenge system, which only allows coaches to challenge certain types of calls. The missed call in the Iowa State-Houston game could have significant implications for the Big 12 title race and demonstrates the need for the NCAA to consider expanding the challenge system to give teams more opportunities to correct obvious officiating errors.

The details

With 6:12 remaining and Houston leading by 8, Iowa State's Tamin Lipsey had a pass deflected by Houston's Joseph Tugler, leading to a steal by Isiah Harwell. However, the referees called a kicked ball on Tugler, negating the steal. Houston head coach Kelvin Sampson pleaded with the officials to challenge the call, but the play was not reviewable under the current system. Iowa State then hit a 3-pointer on the ensuing possession, cutting the lead to 5.

  • The controversial call occurred with 6:12 remaining in the second half.

The players

Tamin Lipsey

Iowa State's star point guard.

Joseph Tugler

Houston player whose deflection was incorrectly ruled a kicked ball.

Isiah Harwell

Houston player who had the steal negated by the kicked ball call.

Kelvin Sampson

Head coach of the Houston Cougars.

Kipp Kissinger

One of the nation's most well-regarded college basketball officials.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The NCAA is expected to consider expanding its challenge system to include all whistled violations ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

This missed call in a high-profile game between two top-10 teams underscores the need for the NCAA to overhaul its challenge system. Expanding replay to cover all whistled violations, not just limited categories, could help avoid game-changing officiating errors and improve the overall quality of college basketball officiating.