NEED FOR SPEED
Basketball teams ordered to replay the final 0.3 SECONDS of clash after losing side appealed controversial result
League chiefs demanded a partial re-run lasting quicker than you could say 'slam dunk'
TWO basketball teams were ordered to replay the last 0.3 seconds of a controversial quarter-final.
But the club who appealed because of a dodgy finale to the first match refused to take part in the rapid re-run.
1
Portlaoise Panthers sparked the dispute by complaining about their 80-78 Irish Division 1 play-off defeat against Limerick Sport Eagles on March 23.
The Panthers protested the result as a foul call leading to the Eagles' match-winning free throws came 1.6 seconds after the final buzzer.
The National League Committee told the losing hosts a referee's decision cannot be overturned retrospectively - so the result must stand.
But the NLC gave the Panthers the right to take the case to the National Appeals Committee.
And the NAC ruled the WHOLE game would have to be replayed.
Basketball Ireland then stepped in, however, to say the the Panthers had been given the option to appeal "in error".
But back came the NLC to decide the final 0.3 secs should take place again - with the Eagles resuming 80-78 up.
The shocked Panthers responded by suggesting such a spectacularly speedy climax would be against the sport's "values".
Most read in Other Sports
They added in a statement: "We think the ordering of 0.3 seconds to be replayed of our quarter-final is completely against the spirit of basketball and... was never the basis for appeal.
"We would never ask nor expect Limerick Sport Eagles, a club whom we hold in the highest regard, to travel to Portlaoise to play the remaining 0.3 seconds.
March Madness fans accuse tournament of being 'rigged' after major court issue emerges causing huge advantage
"It would be in nobody's interest and would not be adherent to the values of the game of basketball.
"To be clear, if we are instructed to take to the court to play the 0.3 seconds, we will refuse to do so."
But there was ONE very quick and final resolution in the odd exchange.
That's because Basketball Ireland returned at lightning speed to confirm "the matter is now closed" - meaning no split-second re-match.