CONFUSION marred Game 3 of the San Miguel-Converge PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals series after the flagrant foul 2 called on Alec Stockton was downgraded to a flagrant foul 1.
The mix-up came with sixth-tenth of a second left in the first quarter following a commotion between the two players.
READ: Yeng Guiao asks referees to shape up after contentious Game 3
Stockton was caught planting a clear elbow on the face of Kris Rosales that knocked down the San Miguel guard.
Rosales then charged towards Stockton before cooler heads separated the two so as not to aggravate the situation.
Then came the blunder.
Rosales was charged with a flagrant foul 1 and had to sit out for three minutes, while Stockton was called for a flagrant foul 2 for an outright ejection.
But a few minutes after the violations were announced, the infraction on Stockton was downgraded to a flagrant foul penalty 1, paving the way for the Converge shooting guard to just sit out the next three minutes before being allowed to return on the playing court.
San Miguel officials naturally were caught surprised by the change in decision.
The Beermen, who are up 2-0 in the best-of-five series, were leading, 26-18, when the incident happened.
READ: Officiating gets heat, Yeng Guiao playing 'psywar'
Four free throws were given to the FiberXers after the episode, with Schonny Winston missing the first two, before Alex Cabagnot converted on the next two.
Marcio Lassiter meanwhile, shot the corresponding free throws for San Miguel and split the two foul shots as the Beermen ended the first quarter on top, 27-20.
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