Angola’s head coach, Pep Claros, lamented the fouls called on Black Antelopes’ big man Bruno Fernando in their crucial loss to the Dominican Republic, which significantly diminished their chances of advancing to the next round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
During the fourth quarter, with 5:13 remaining and Angola trailing 59-63, Fernando was charged with his fifth and final foul after fouling Los Quisqueyanos’ guard, Andres Feliz. To compound matters, Feliz sank both free throws, extending the Dominican Republic’s lead to six points.
“I think Bruno Fernando is a very important player for us. It’s sad because (if) most of you review all the fouls, there are one foul with his hand like this and a player going against him,” said Claros.
“Another one is he’s driving and it’s not even his player. Another one that he’s on the help and he’s trying to avoid the contact.”
In the past two games, Fernando maintained an average of 13.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 block per game for Angola.
Playing against the Dominican Republic, the Atlanta Hawks’ big man concluded the match with 13 points, three rebounds, and two blocks in just 17 minutes of play.
The 54-year-old Spanish head coach also expressed empathy for Fernando, who is finally receiving the playing time he deserves after being limited in previous team campaigns.
“I think that it affected probably the game but you know, it’s sad also that because he’s not having minutes in three years and now that we’re giving him a lot of minutes, the refs are limiting his minutes today,” he remarked.
“Hopefully on the next one he can play a little bit longer.”
