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. Cholet Basket - No Goaltending
White #7 commits a foul on Green #8 whilst he is in the act of shooting. After the ball is released, White #22 blocks the shot and the referees call a goaltending violation, awarding the basket and one free throw to Green #8.
Article 31.2.1: Goaltending occurs during a shot for a goal when a player touches the ball while it is completely above the level of the ring and:
It is on its downward flight to the basket, or
After it has touched the backboard.
Outcome: Incorrect decision by the referees. The ball was still on its upwards flight when it was legally blocked. No basket and Green #8 should have been awarded two free throws.
TC2: Patrioti Levice vs. Fitness First Wurzburg Baskets - Unsportsmanlike Foul
White #5 recovers the ball and starts a transition. Green #15 creates an illegal contact, and the referees call an unsportsmanlike foul.
Article 37.1.1: An unsportsmanlike foul is a player contact which is:
An unnecessary contact caused by the defensive player in order to stop the progress of the offensive team in transition.
Outcome: Correct decision by the referees.
The contact created by Green #15 was an unnecessary contact in order to stop the progress of the White team transition. Green #15 did not make any effort to legally attempt to play the ball within the spirit and intent of the rules.