MIES (Switzerland) - Experts analyze all Basketball Champions League, powered by Ameresco SUNEL games each week. In order to improve the understanding of referees' decisions and to increase transparency, we publish some of those Tough Calls, along with an explanation.
TC1: Tofas Bursa vs. AEK BC - Blocked shot
Black #2 tries to dunk and Green #22 attempts to block the shot. The referees do not call a foul.
Article 34.1.1: A personal foul is a player’s illegal contact with an opponent, whether the ball is live or dead.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referees.
Green #22 did not create any illegal contact and just touched the ball, legally blocking the dunk attempt.
TC2: Pallacanestro Trieste vs. ERA Nymburk - Travelling
White #7 receives the ball and attempts a shot. Black #22 blocks the shot and the referee calls a travelling violation.
Article 25.1.1: Travelling is the illegal movement of one foot or both feet beyond the limits outlined in this article, in any direction, while holding a live ball on the court.
Article 25.1.2: To pass or shoot for a goal, the player may jump off a pivot foot, but neither foot may be returned to the court before the ball is released from the hand(s).
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referee.
Due to Black #22 touching the ball, the ball left White #7’s hands. White #7 is allowed to regain control of the ball and land on the court therefore, he did not violate the travelling rule.
TC3: Le Mans Sarthe Basket vs. Rytas Vilnius - Illegal use of hands
White #32 dribbles the ball and tries to make a dunk. Red #0 attempts to block the shot and the referee calls a personal foul to Red #0.
Article 34.1.1: A personal foul is a player’s illegal contact with an opponent, whether the ball is live or dead.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referee.
Red #0 created an illegal contact with his right hand on White #32’s shooting arm. Basket is valid and White #32 shall attempt one free throw.