TORONTO, Ont. (February 26, 2020) – Following the conclusion of Canada’s 88-84 overtime loss to the Dominican Republic on Monday night, Canada Basketball formally filed a protest to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).

A Single Judge, Mr Lubomir Kotleba, was assigned to oversee the proceedings and ruled that the protest filed by Canada concerned an on-court decision of the referees regarding the classification of a basket, after a review of the call using the Instant Replay System.

Such decisions do not fall within the circumstances outlined in Appendix C, Protest Procedure and, consequently, the protest was rejected.

“We are disappointed for our players and staff for this difficult loss,” said Glen Grunwald, President and CEO of Canada Basketball.  “We are still awaiting a report from FIBA showing “clear and conclusive” visual evidence which would have allowed for the overturning of the three-point field goal made by the officials on the floor at the time of the play. We congratulate both teams on a well-played and exciting game.”

With Dominican Republic leading 75-73 and 0:05 remaining in the game, Canada’s Kaza Kajami-Keane inbounded the ball from the sideline opposite the scorer’s table to Aaron Best.  Best immediately passed back to a driving Kajami-Keane who kicked it out to Conor Morgan in front of the Canadian bench.

Morgan gathered the ball and released a successful three-point shot before time expired.  Referee Andreia Silva signaled a three-point shot, as did referee Juan Fernandez, to give Canada a 76-75 advantage.

The referees grouped up and decided to use IRS to review the play and decision of a successful three-point basket as called on the floor.  Upon IRS review, the original on-court decision was overturned, nullifying the three-point shot and instead awarded two points, resulting in a tie game, overtime and eventual Canadian loss.

Canada continues the FIBA AmeriCup Qualifiers 2021 in November when they’ll face the U.S. Virgin Islands and Cuba.

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For more information, contact:
Matt Walker, mwalker@basketball.ca