Why Anthony's potential game-winner was waved off

The final seconds of the Perth Wildcats and Melbourne United blockbuster had plenty of people talking, especially around a play involving two of its stars.

With 19 seconds left, United’s Cole Anthony drove into the paint and converted a tough layup, mowing down Brandon Knight in the process.

The officials waved off the bucket and called a charge on Anthony, denying the visiting team a three-point lead.

Anthony fouled out before the hosts ended up winning 103-102.

“It’s actually [the correct] call; the defender does establish position, and he’s also outside of the defensive semicircle,” Head of Referees Scott Butler said.

“Because he’s actually outside the semicircle when the offensive foul occurs, it still remains an offensive foul.

“I’ve spoken with Jacob [Chance] post-game and confirmed that the call was correct, because he asked me that question. Clearly that’s part of the review process as well.

“Occasionally, what will happen is that the officials will ask us for clarification on something during the game.

“It could be a whole range of things around shot clocks and other matters, and we will occasionally provide feedback about the outcome of a call.”

Butler explained the differences between the charge call in FIBA play compared to other leagues around the world, such as the NBA.

“In the FIBA framework of rules, whether it’s the no-charge semicircle or the variation that we have, which [is] the defensive semicircle, as long as no part of the defender is touching the line; the heel, for argument’s sake, might be hovering over the line,” he added.

“But as long as it’s not touching the line, then they are outside the defensive semicircle.

“What people might be getting confused with is that in the NBA, if your heel or part of your body is hovering over the restricted area, you are considered to be inside the restricted area.

“That’s not the same as FIBA basketball.”

The Hungry Jack’s NBL27 resumes on Wednesday night with an Ignite Cup fixture between Perth and Sydney at RAC Arena from 9.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN.

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