NBL admits officials missed crucial foul in dying seconds
The NBL confirmed a missed foul with 8 seconds left would have given Tasmania three free throws in Cairns' 93-87 win.
Cairns beat Tasmania on Wednesday night to claim its first win of the 2026-27 season, but the result hung on a controversial no-call. With 11.5 seconds left and Tasmania trailing 91-87, guard Dakota Mathias rose for a three-point shot in the corner.
Keanu Pinder, sitting on four fouls, flew across to contest and made significant contact, sending Mathias to the floor. The officials did not blow the whistle.
The NBL's Head of Referees, Scott Butler, reviewed the play and confirmed Pinder had fouled Mathias in the act of shooting and a foul should have been called. Had the call gone the right way, Mathias would have gone to the line for three free throws, potentially cutting the margin to one point with seconds remaining.
However, because no foul was called on the floor, the NBL's rules meant the play could not be reviewed or changed.
- Cairns 93, Tasmania 87
- Final score
- Three
- Free throws missed
- 8 seconds
- Time remaining
- Four
- Pinder's fouls
Why it mattersA refereeing error directly changed the outcome of the game and likely cost Tasmania a chance to win.
AustraliaThis is Australian professional basketball, and the missed call has sparked debate about NBL officiating standards.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 34 min ago
