Scored the winning basket for the Soviet Union in the 1972 Olympic
Men's Basketball final in a 51-50 upset over the USA in a game filled
with controversy.
Doug Collins of the U.S. stole a pass and was fouled hard going to the basket with three seconds left. Collins made both free throws to put the USA on top 50-49. The Soviets then inbounded the ball
and scored, but after time expired. Soviet Coach
Vladimir Kondrashin
argued that he had signaled for a timeout, and, after conferring with
the time keeper, was granted one second back on the clock. The Soviets
tried to score again and failed. But, then FIBA commissioner
R. William Jones intervened and granted the Soviets another chance because
Kondrashin called time while Collins was at the free throw line.
Subsequently, Jones ordered the clock set to three seconds. The Soviets
then inbounded the ball and Belov scored to win the gold medal for the
Soviet Union.