Adelaide 36ers coach Trevor Gleeson says he was “targeted” by NBL referees in his side’s 96-91 Ignite Cup loss to Melbourne United on Wednesday night.
Gleeson was left flabbergasted after being whistled for a technical foul by referee James Griguol during the second quarter of the 36ers’ third straight defeat.
Griguol made the call from the opposite corner of the court at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre.
“I was talking to one referee [Andrew Goodman], because Whitey [36ers guard Isaac White] got a backhand right in the face,” Gleeson said.
“The other referee on the other side of the floor gives me a technical foul, when I’m having a conversation with [Goodman].
“I think I was targeted for that today.”
Gleeson was also frustrated by an incident in the third quarter.
With 7:17 left in the term, Gleeson requested to challenge an offensive foul against centre Nick Rakocevic, who scored while colliding with Melbourne’s Fabijan Krslovic.
After a lengthy delay, Gleeson was told the decision would stand and the replay centre would not entertain his challenge.
“They already reviewed it [Rakocevic’s foul] and you can’t challenge a review,” Gleeson said.
“No-one told me.
“I’ll talk to [NBL head of referees] Scott Butler and say, ‘Why?’, and send him clips again.”
A 23-16 disparity in free-throw attempts, favouring Melbourne, also earned Gleeson’s ire.
That was on the back of a similar 23-14 differential in foul shots favouring the New Zealand Breakers in the 36ers’ blowout 88-72 home loss on Sunday.
“It’s frustrating when the opposition team comes here and they shoot more free throws than us both times,” Gleeson said.
“The guys deserve more than that.
“Coming back [to the NBL] after five years, I would have thought the referees would really go in front.
“I’ve got a good relationship with Scott [Butler], but it just seems that when the bright lights come on, something else happens.”
The 36ers’ loss leaves the club second last on the NBL ladder.
AAP
By
