[BillyMac]

Originally Posted by kzooref

I don't think spirit of the rule can apply here over what looks to be so clear above.

We often concentrate on advantage/disadvantage in regard to The Intent And Purpose Of The Rules. In this case, however, we should pay attention to this statement: It is important to know the intent and purpose of a rule so that it may be intelligently applied in each play situation.

"Intelligently applied".

In addition we're also putting one team at an advantage not intended by the rules, and the other team at disadvantage not intended by the rules, if we give the ball to the Team B under it's own basket.

A player or a team should not be permitted an advantage which is not intended by a rule. Neither should play be permitted to develop which may lead to placing a player at a disadvantage not intended by a rule.

"Intended". "Not Intended".

2-3: The referee shall make decisions on any points not specifically covered in the rules.

Put the ball on the floor where it belongs and then spin the entire court, heck spin the entire arena, around 180 degrees. Where does the ball end up? That's where it belongs, and now allow the teams to go in a direction according to where their benches are (and what half it is).