Videos don’t lie.
In watching the instant replay shown in the arena and on TV, it seems that Blackwater has a valid point in claiming that Jason Ballesteros was asking for a timeout during a rebound play in the closing seconds of regulation during Tuesday’s thriller against the Bolts.
The 6-foot-8 center had the ball in his hands and was signaling for a timeout during the said play. Meralco forward Sean Anthony, using his veteran instincts, held the ball to try and force a jump ball. The closest referee to the play, Peter Balao, did not award the timeout to Ballesteros and instead called for a jump ball. The entire Blackwater coaching staff and team officials were up in arms over the decision of Balao.
“Kailangan rin talagang magreklamo kami para hindi naman kami kinakayan-kayanan lang,” said head coach Leo Isaac.
“We’re only hoping to squeeze in a favorable call from Jason Ballesteros. Timeout (dapat) eh. Kung timeout ang naitawag we could have had possession for a game winner, pero hindi naibigay sa amin.”
Isaac said they are already discussing the plans of bringing the matter to the Commissioner’s office.
“Team officials are discussing it and we’re trying to get a copy of the game tape,” added Isaac.
