DLSU big men killed us, rues FEU coach Racela

FAR Eastern University coach Nash Racela was left to rue the domination of La Salle’s big man as well as "spotty officiating" in the Tamaraws' 66-75 loss on Sunday that led to their second consecutive defeat in the UAAP men's basketball tournament.

Racela said the Tamaraws couldn’t stop the Green Archers' big men led by Jason Perkins, who had 18 points and 13 rebounds in the game, as they remained winless in the second round after completing a seven-game sweep of the first round.

"They just went to the post, went to the post, went to the post," said Racela.

Making matters worse, Racela said FEU’s big men were in foul trouble for the most part of the game with center Anthony Hargrove even fouling out late in the match.

“Ganoon talaga. We tried defending them but we gave up 33 free throws. I don’t know how we will defend. We teach them to defend but fouls are being called against us,” he said.

Racela was obviously perplexed by the officiating in the game as he was even slapped with a technical foul before halftime for crossing the court.

Racela rued the spotty officiating in the middle of the game.

“We are not questioning ‘yung fouls sa huli, but more of sa gitna by taking away our big man. But I don’t want to look at the referees. As coaches, we have to do our part,” said Racela.

When asked if he is satisfied with the officiating, Racela said: “No coach will be satisfied. Kahit panalo, may angal.”

“That is something na iniiwasan ko dahil baka sabihin kaya ko sinabi dahil nagtatatalo kami. But that is something that was very evident in the first half as well,” said Racela.

Despite the issue on officiating, the FEU mentor admitted the Tamaraws still struggled as they gave up a 14-23 lead at the end of the first period.

“Struggle pa rin kami. When we got our game, malaki na ang lamang. Mahirap na. We will continue to work on that. We have to do our part,” said Racela.