What constitutes a personal foul in college basketball?

A personal foul in college basketball is defined as making illegal physical contact with an opponent. This can include actions such as pushing, holding, tripping, or any other form of contact that violates the rules of the game, which is designed to maintain fair play and safety among players. Such infractions can lead to free throws for the opposing team, as personal fouls are penalized to deter players from gaining an unfair advantage through physical means.

The other options do not fit the definition of a personal foul. Dribbling out of bounds is a violation of the game rules but does not involve illegal contact. Being unable to score is simply a part of the game and does not constitute foul play. Failure to return to defense relates to game strategy and player positioning rather than a breach of fouling rules. Thus, the choice regarding illegal physical contact is the most accurate representation of what constitutes a personal foul.