TV blackout provides bizarre NBL finish in Brisbane
Chris Pike and Murray Wenzel |
The NBL is investigating how a broadcast failure meant the final three minutes of Brisbane’s loss to Melbourne resumed without a television audience.
Referees halted play with United leading the Bullets 104-89 on Thursday night at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre when the broadcast feed failed.
There was a delay of about 15 minutes before play resumed without a broadcast, the visitors winning 120-103.
The venue has been reclaimed as the Bullets’ home court this season, club chief executive Malcolm Watts moving to distance the facility from blame on Friday.
“Our current understanding is a fault occurred within the outside broadcast unit and not within the venue,” he said.
“The broadcast feed failed, cutting off the television broadcast and certain in-game feeds.
“To be clear, the power supply and all other operational functions within the venue were fully operational at all times.”
He said the NBL’s investigation into the incident was ongoing and apologised to viewers both in the venue and at home.
United coach Dean Vickerman was pleased they were able to complete the contest and improve to 8-4, while the Bullets fell to 3-5.
“Obviously we were thinking that you can play basketball without TV, but I’m sure fans want to see it and all those kind of things,” he said.
“But we knew we had no coach’s challenges, stats or any of those things. We were just back out there playing basketball.”
Bullets guard Mitch Norton admitted his 350th game would be memorable for curious reasons.
“I really got to soak it up for an extra half-an-hour or whatever it was,” Norton smirked.
“Obviously it wasn’t the way you want it to go, but at the end of the day, it’s a game of basketball and it’s not ever really about me specifically.
“I’m just a little frustrated with the result, but at the same time proud of the boys and how we showed we can compete in this league. As long as we believe that, we’ll be in a good spot.”
AAP