Each week, experts are analysing the games. In order to improve the understanding of referees' decisions and to increase the transparency towards our fans, we publish some of those "tough calls", together with an explanation. 

Please find below last week's "tough calls":

Tough Call 1: Nanterre 92 v Besiktas Sompo Japan - Goaltending

Black 6 is executing a shot close to the basket. The ball touches the backboard and is then touched by defensive player White 4. A goaltending occurs during the shot for a field goal when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and after it has touched the backboard. In the video, both conditions occurred and a goaltending violation by defensive player should be called, and 2 points awarded to the Black team.

Outcome: Incorrect decision by referees

Tough Call 2: Ventspils v PAOK - Time control

Black 15 has the ball in the low post at the end of his team's shot clock period. Black 15 makes a pass to the other side of the court to Black 13 who makes a successful shot. In the re-play, it is visible that when the shot clock shows 0.0 and the yellow led light at the top of the backboard demonstrates the end of the shot clock period, the ball is still in the shooter's hand and a shot clock violation should be called.

Outcome: Incorrect decision by referees

Tough Call 3: Dinamo Sassari v Enisey Krasnoyarsk - Unsportsmanlike foul

White 3 dribbles the ball and is closely guarded by Green 3. White 3 creates a contact with his elbow and arm in to the face of defensive player Green 3. The contact is illegal and therefore an Unsportsmanlike Foul for an excessive hard contact to play an opponent (C2) should be called on White 3.

Outcome: Correct decision by referees

Tough Call 4:  Telekom Baskets Bonn v Sidigas Avellino - Act of Shooting foul

At the end of the game, Green team is trailing with three points and has ball in the low corner. Green 11 fakes to force defender White 12 to jump in the air, creating an illegal contact on the shooter. A foul is called and free throws are awarded to Green 11. The referees are unsure if the attempt by Green 11 was a 2- or 3-point shot. The referees are using Instant Replay System (IRS) to define the status of the shot attempt. The use of the IRS is authorized to determine 2 or 3 points, only when the play has a valid field goal and therefore the IRS review by the referees is unauthorized by the rules.

Outcome: Incorrect decision by referees

Tough Call 5: Ventspils v PAOK - Offensive foul

Yellow 27 has the ball in the low post and is defended by Black 5. Yellow 27 creates an illegal contact by his shoulder to the torso of Black 5, who falls down. The contact is not a marginal contact and impacts the play. An offensive foul should be called on Yellow 27. 

Outcome: Correct decision by referees

Tough Call 6: Violation

In the fast break, offensive player Black 6 is going to basket. The ball touches the backboard and is then touched by defensive player Yellow 13. A goaltending occurs during the shot for a field goal when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and after it has touched the backboard. In the video, both conditions occurred and a goaltending violation by defensive player should be called, and 2 points awarded to the Black team.

Outcome: Correct decision by referees