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AAP
AAP
Murray Wenzel

Vickerman seeks tweak to close coach challenge loophole

Melbourne Utd head coach Dean Vickerman (r) is pressing for upgrades to the NBL's coaches challenge. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman is leading talks to adjust the scope of the coaches challenge after a quirk of the initiative proved costly in his side's overtime NBL loss to Perth.

United guard Matthew Dellavedova made a tough lay-up to tie the game on Monday night and had a chance to win with a last-second free throw, before the foul call was controversially reversed on review.

The contest went to overtime and United, who lost three starters through injury, were eventually overpowered in a 102-95 loss to the Wildcats. 

An NBL review of the decision found the reversal of the call was correct, but only because a "pushing foul" had been awarded rather than the correct "hands foul".

The coaches challenge system only allows for an adjudication on the foul that was called, meaning the review was successful rather than being rightfully adjusted to award Dellavedova a free throw.

United coach Vickerman slammed the decision as "crazy" post-game and on Friday confirmed he has been in discussions with NBL head office and other coaches to improve the system.

"The purpose (of the review) is to get the most correct decision," he said.

"And I feel like in this case, the coaches challenge didn't do that.

"I've chatted to other coaches and the league and there's been good communication and we'll continue a process if we can to make the coaches challenge better."

Dellavedova made a successful return from concussion in that game but Vickerman lost livewire Luke Travers after just 47 seconds to a head knock when he fell into teammate Ariel Hukporti's knee.

Ian Clark (hamstring) was the third casualty before halftime, with all three in doubt to suit up on Sunday against cross-town rivals South East Melbourne Phoenix.

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