FILIPINO referee Ferdinand ‘Bong’ Pascual was one of three referees in Tuesday night’s thrilling game between the United States and Turkey in the Fiba Basketball World Cup in Shanghai, China.
Pascual officiated the match that went into overtime with the United States escaping with a 93-92 win over Turkey after Khris Middleton hit two free throws with two seconds left.
It was the second time Pascual, an international referee for 17 years, officiated in the Fiba World Cup after the 2014 meet in Spain. Pascual also officiated in the 2016 Olympics in Rio De Janeiro.
Pascual is also the supervisor of officials in the PBA.
In a 2016 interview with SPIN.ph, Pascual said he has accepted the risks of being a referee, at times one of the most hated persons in a basketball game.
“Talagang sa aming mga referees, pinasok namin ‘to. Tanggapin mo kung ano ‘yung kalalabasan ng trabaho. Nandito tayo, dapat panindigan natin,” said Pascual.
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