To my knowledge, you can't use video tape to review a judgment call in basketball, such as a foul, so that part is moot. But I think your point was that the refs missed an obvious call as it happened. First off, judging from my recollection of seeing the video over and over last night (and, granted, mostly paying attention to the feet), I didn't see any foul. What I saw was a double pump, on the first of which the defender hit the ball, the second of which was unimpeded (and hence the ball had a chance, and did, go in).
Now, assuming there really was contact on the first pump, the question would be whether Sparks, the KY player, was in the act of shooting. He did double-pump, so, no he was not in the act of shooting at that moment, so now we have to take into account "continuous motion." From what I've witnessed (so don't take this as gospel), officials will grant you lots of leeway once you've left your feet (such as on a layup or dunk). On an outside shot, if you fake (a double pump, IMO, is a fake), they *usually* don't rule continuous motion. Given that Sparks took an additional step after the pump fake, in no way would I consider that a continuous motion. Therefore, had a foul been called live, it would be likely be three foul shots and not and "and one" situation.
So, at least we agree the better team won.
- Jeff |
