Questionable officiating reared its ugly head once more on Friday night, in the TNT Katropa’s match versus the Globalport Batang Pier at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. And in this case, the Katropa got the short end of the stick.
Katropa head coach Nash Racela was left helpless after the match which they lost, 112-119.
“(That’s) part of the game,” admitted the frustrated first-year head coach, who was having a hard time describing the loss, which dropped their card to 4-3.
The game saw lots of doubtful calls, especially in the second half. The most glaring one took place in the end-game, as Stanley Pringle gave a loose ball-chasing Jayson Castro a push, sending the latter out and onto the ground.
The referees did not see the apparent pushing foul, and the Batang Pier still regained possession. Castro could only shake his head out of sheer frustration as a potential TNT possession slipped away.
“We just have to play above the ano… mahirap. Ayaw ko magsalita,” lamented Racela of the eyebrow-raising officiating.
But aside from the way the calls were made, the 45-year-old tactician also lamented the way the Katropa had performed, especially on offense. In terms of foul shots, TNT converted just 17 of the 31 shots they had.
“A lot of missed free throws and ang dami naming point-blank misses. Because of those mga missed na point-blank, parang naka-counter nila eh, so marami silang na-take off that. Parang nagiging four-point swing,” said Racela.
Asked if fatigue had kicked in, as Friday’s match was their second game in three days, Racela does not see it as an issue. “Hindi na namin iniisip yun,” he said.
TNT’s next match will be against the Meralco Bolts on Wednesday, September 10 — another tough challenge. But they have nine days to prepare, and Racela will maximize the time that they have to gear up.
“Mabigat. [But] That gives us time to study,” said Racela.
