RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao lamented a crucial call in the final moments of their loss to NLEX on Wednesday night in the PBA 50th Season Commissioner's Cup.
With Rain or Shine leading by one, 87-86, and the game entering the final two minutes, Gian Mamuyac was called for a foul after stripping Robert Bolick of possession, with the ball ending up in the Elasto Painters' hands before the whistle was blown.
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Rain or Shine challenged the call, which, after a long review, was overturned. But while Mamuyac's foul was reversed, the referees called for a jumpball instead of awarding ROS possession, to the dismay of Guiao who entered the court to complain.
NLEX won the jump and the possession ended with Robert Bolick knocking down a four-point shot to give the Road Warriors a 90-87 lead.
Luis Villegas tied the game after the Bolick four, but NLEX eventually won, 92-90, on a jumper by JB Bahio with 0.3 seconds left after Jhonard Clarito missed two free throws on the other end for Rain or Shine.
Even though Rain or Shine still had chances to win after that jumpball, Guiao can't help but question the decision that cost them a possession and a potential fastbreak play.
“Ang alam ko, sa rules, pagka-successful ang challenge mo, kung ano yung pinakahuling incident or action, dapat doon mo pagbabasehan yung possesion,” Guiao said.
“Ang consequence nun, naging loose ball, nakuha namin yung bola, tapos pina-jump ball nila. Tingin ko maling-mali yung interpretation na yun. It should have been our ball kasi kami ang maagrabyado. Actually, it could have been a fastbreak eh. Puwede naming i-fastbreak yun kasi turnover eh. Tinanggalan pa kami ng fastbreak,” said Guiao.
“I don't know if they will review that pero tingin ko mali,” said Guiao.
Although he also admitted that the call is just part of the game, Guiao rued that every possession counts in such a close, fiercely fought game.
“Sa ganitong laro, one possession is very important especially that possession can turn into a transition point para sa amin. Pero ganun lang talaga,” Guiao said.
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