Irish basketball teams Limerick Sport Eagles and Portlaoise Panthers are set to replay the final 0.3 seconds of a second-tier playoff quarter-final following a controversial decision by Basketball Ireland.
The Eagles emerged victorious with an 80-78 win over the Panthers in a Division One clash on March 23. The game's decisive moment came when the Eagles scored from a free throw on the final whistle.
Following the match, the Panthers lodged an appeal, arguing that the foul leading to the winning free throw occurred after time had expired. Basketball Ireland initially upheld the result, citing the principle that on-field refereeing decisions cannot be overturned.
However, a subsequent error by the National League Committee (NLC) led to confusion when the Panthers were incorrectly informed that they could appeal to the National Appeals Committee (NAC). The NAC then ruled that the game should be replayed in its entirety.
Ultimately, the NLC decided that while the full game would not be replayed, the final 0.3 seconds would be. This decision was made in accordance with FIBA regulations, specifically clause C.5, which states that the decision of the competent body is final and not subject to further review or appeal.
Basketball Ireland emphasized that the NLC's ruling was aimed at upholding the integrity of the National League competition. As a result, the Eagles will maintain their 80-78 lead when the final 0.3 seconds are replayed.
The winner of this brief replay will advance to the semi-final to face Moy Tolka Rovers, with the playoff final scheduled to take place at the National Basketball Arena on April 13.
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