There was no sense of resentment nor angst inside the locker room of the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates on Friday evening. Even after figuring in a controversial ending against the Letran Knights, they decided to move on instead of sulking.
With 40.8 seconds left and Lyceum down by three, 77-80, Jaycee Marcelino knocked down a triple to knot the game up. The game continued.
But after the buzzer had sounded to end regulation, the referees decided to review the call. It was deemed that Marcelino’s right foot was touching the three-point line.
“Papasukin ko na kasi lamang sila ng isa. Hindi naman natin alam,” recalled Marcelino.
“Di na natin kontrolado yung nangyayari.”
The referees decided to downgrade the triple to a long two, handing the win to Letran.
According to Robinson and Marcelino, no protests will be filed. And they have come to accept that there is learning in losing.
“Siguro next game babawi na lang kami. Sabi ni coach, wala eh. Ganun talaga. Excited kami sa Final Four,” shared Marcelino, who tallied five points, six rebounds, and two steals.
“Positive pa rin kami. Hindi naman nawala yung samahan namin. Together pa rin talaga.”
