Alex Mumbru on questionable call in dying seconds: 'I'm angry and can't get it' / News - Basketnews.com

Alex Mumbru believes that a match cannot be decided by a foul like that.

Credit: Zuma Press-Scanpix Credit Zuma Press-Scanpix

Valencia Basket suffered their second EuroLeague defeat in a row, losing against ASVEL Villeurbanne.

Free throws this season

79%11,0Points made:11,0Accuracy:78,6%Place in standings:16Record max:12Record min:10Most made FTs:David LightyTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

However, the game was decided by the referees, who sent Jonah Matthews to the free-throw line in the dying seconds.

Jared Harper was called for an offensive (kicking) foul with just 2 seconds remaining in the game with the score tied at 76. ASVEL's Matthews converted an ensuing free throw to win the match, 77-76.

"I'm angry. I believe that a match cannot be decided by a foul like that. The protagonists are the players and this cannot happen," Valencia head coach Alex Mumbru commented on the crucial episode to DAZN Espana.

Later the 43-year-old specialist appeared in the press room.

"In the end, the game could have gone to either side. Unfortunately, it went to ASVEL's side," Mumbru said in the press conference.

"We wanted to have a final attack, with the option of winning the game or going to overtime. We didn't want to take any risk of losing it. I think you've all seen the decision. I can not get it. The referees have decided to call the foul. People can say what they want. We will not go into the refereeing for now," Mumbru added about officiating.

"I understand that the public can have their opinion about whether things are right or wrong.

"I think the team has improved a lot compared to the last two games. We've come to a tight finish, but we haven't been able to play well," finished the coach.

Game highlights

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