Before Phoenix Pulse stepped onto the court at the SMART Araneta Coliseum to face the Meralco Bolts in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Sunday, coach Louie Alas vowed to his Fuel Masters that his ejection two games ago versus Ginebra would ot happen again.
“‘Yun ‘yung pregame ko eh. Sabi ko, ‘yung nangyari two games ago will not happen again, ‘yung thrown out ako,” he said.
Unfortunately, the outspoken bench strategist was unable to keep his promise to his chargers.
Alas got booted out of the match with only 7:31 remaining in the second quarter. Referee Nino Cortez assessed him with two successive technical fouls for use of profane language while complaining.
The veteran mentor admitted that it shocked him to receive consecutive technical fouls in such a manner.
“Nagco-complain ako. Normal complain. Bibigyan niya ‘ko ng warning kasi ini-ignore niya ‘ko. Then I said something, ‘yun, bibigyan na dapat ako ng technical. Ang ginawa niya, two technicals,” he said.
“Sabi ko, ‘Uy, ngayon lang nangyari ‘yan!'”
Phoenix had already proven that they can manage without Alas on the sidelines when they beat the Gin Kings. Unfortunately, it was another story versus Meralco, as they were blown out, 111-94, absorbing their third defeat in four games.
Alas turned apologetic, and then took the blame for the loss. “Ang post-game ko is it’s all my fault,” he said.
“Dahil sa pagco-complain ko, naco-compromise yung mga players ko. So, it’s my bad.”
