[Jack]

Here is my write up of the events in the last fifteen seconds of game time Friday Feb 6,2009 Between Bella Vista (in black) and Rio Americano (in white)at Rio Americano.

This is a boys high school game in California


Rio is down 5 point with the ball and about 15 seconds left in the game. A Rio player attempted a shot in close proximity to the basket which was blocked and recovered by a Bella Vista player. The same Rio player grabbed the Bella Vista player around the waist and wrestled him to the ground. There was no doubt the foul was intentional and flagrant and the referee blew his whistle and made the gesture usually recognized as an ejection from the game. There was not any further altercation as the Bella Vista player got up and walked quickly away towards the Bella Vista bench. The time on the clock was about 12 seconds.

The referee approached the scorers table and said, foul and double technical on number 33 white, crossing his arms at the wrists as he did so. Number 33 went to the bench and stayed there for the reminder of the game.

The referee and his partner conferred with the official scorekeepers for a minute of two and then the announcer stated that Bella Vista would be awarded 6 free throws two for the foul four for the double technical on 33 and two for the Rio coach coming off the bench. He then announced that Rio would get 16 free throws because two Bella Vista coaches and seven players had left the bench.

After Bella Vista attempted their six free throws ( I believe making 5 of 6) it was then announced that Bella Vista would get two more free throws and Rio would get a total of 18. (seems to have been bad math the first time). Bella Vista made one of two.

Rio made 17 of their eighteen free throws. Rio was awarded the ball because the referee said it was a jump ball situation when the foul occurred, even though the Bella Vista Player had the ball and was tackled around the waist.

Rio turned the ball over and Bella vista attempted one more shot before time expired.

Was the awarding of the free throws and the ball handled correctly?