MANILA, Philippines — As Rain or Shine goes for the series-clinching win this Tuesday, coach Yeng Guiao reminds the game officials to "give their utmost best" as he noted that the ongoing PBA Season 49 Governors' Cup quarterfinals has had its share of "missed calls."
Guiao shared his sentiment in the aftermath of ROS' 111-106 overtime win in Game 3 on Sunday that allowed his team to regain the series lead, 2-1 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
"There have been a lot of missed calls by the referees," Guiao said matter-of-factly.
The fiery Rain or Shine mentor's post-game comment stemmed from a goal-tending call on Jhonard Clarito, who in a previous play blocked Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero's layup.
Rain or Shine was ahead at the time the block was made, 106-104 with 12 seconds to go. The situation forced Magnolia guard Jerrick Ahanmisi to foul ROS guard Gian Mamuyac in the next play, sending the latter to the foul line.
Moments later, the game officials reviewed Clarito's block on Lucero, ruling that it was a goal tending call, thus, making the count, 106-106. But the reversal drew a howl of protest on Magnolia coach Chito Victolero.
"It was really confusing," Guiao said in Filipino, referring to the controversial dying seconds of Game 3's extra five minutes. "The rules were followed since when there's a goal tend and the referee fails to make the call, they can review it. And they did review that play and they saw it was goaltending."
The ROS mentor continued by saying, that since the foul on Mamuyac was already made by Ahanmisi, that call by the referees stay.
"Those are the rules. And what happens from that stays effective in the court," Guiao said with emphasis.
The outspoken Rain or Shine coach felt, if he was the one who would go livid on a probable contentious call, he would have received a technical foul.
"The one rule that wasn't implemented was that you can actually be enraged before the referee and still not get the technical (foul). Everyone saw it, everyone who watched basketball (saw) what coach Chito (Victolero) did," reasoned Guiao.
"Coach Chito is our friend...and sometimes, I also act that way, but if I was the one who did that (getting enraged before the referee), I'm sure I'll get the technical (foul)," he added.
Guiao said the referee's decision not to slap a technical foul on Victolero placed Rain or Shine at a disadvantage.
"I asked the referee earlier why he didn't give (a technical foul on Victolero), he didn't say anything. I don't know, but if I was the one who did that, I'm sure Ill get the technical (foul)," he said.
Given the playoffs atmosphere, Guiao expects everyone to give their very best, the referees included on that.
"Everyone involved in the game must perform to their utmost best, players and referees. Because (it's possible) you could be the cause of (marring) a good game due to a bad call," he added.
Rain or Shine goes for the jugular on Tuesday against Magnolia at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
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