Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth admits confusion around review system following game four loss to Melbourne United

After another contentious call in the NBL Championship Series, Tasmania coach Scott Roth has admitted even he is confused by the review system.

Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth has placed further heat on NBL officials following an unsuccessful coaches challenge during the third quarter of Thursday’s clash against Melbourne United.

The JackJumpers were unable to close out the NBL24 Championship series on home floor, going down to United 88-86, with the series now tied at 2-2 ahead of a deciding game five at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 28: Scott Roth, Head Coach of the Jackjumpers reacts during game four of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena, on March 28, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

While Roth admitted his side didn’t execute well in the final two minutes after giving up a lead, he also called out the officiating after a coaches challenge foul on Anthony Drmic during the third quarter failed to be overturned.

With United’s Ian Clark driving to the rim, Drmic appeared to initially make contact but replays clearly showed there was none from the former Adelaide 36er with ESPN’s Andrew Gaze baffled by the referee’s call.

“They are going to win this challenge,” Gaze said on the broadcast.

“This will be quick … I didn’t even see any contact.”

But somehow the call on the floor wasn’t overturned with the unsuccessful challenge costing Tasmania a time-out and leaving Roth confused post-match.

“I just make coaches challenges out of the blue because I have no idea what they (referees) call anyway,” Roth said.

“When I win them I don’t even know why I won them and when I lose them I don’t understand why I lost them. I just throw it on the wall and see if something sticks or not. I have no idea what they call or what they are looking at. I don’t get it; I just throw one out there and see what happens.

HOBART, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 28: Anthony Drmic of the JackJumpers looks dejected after the loss during game four of the NBL Championship Grand Final Series between Tasmania Jackjumpers and Melbourne United at MyState Bank Arena, on March 28, 2024, in Hobart, Australia. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

“I don’t know what they looking at. From our perspective we think it should be (overturned) but then there is other ones where I think there is no idea if we can win this challenge and we win it so I have zero clue.”

While it didn’t ultimately decide the result, Clark going back and nailing both free throws in a game where the eventual margin was two points means the decision may be another one looked back on in a series – and season – full of confusing calls.

Tip-off for game five of the NBL Championship Series is at 4pm on Sunday.