Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times

Basketball

Norman Black left frustrated: ‘I don’t want to give the commissioner any money’


As Meralco Bolts head coach Norman Black left the Philippine Arena for the last time this season, the veteran mentor made sure to send a message that is both short and powerful.

“First of all, congratulations to Ginebra and coach Tim [Cone],” he said as he and his peer had figured in a heated series.

“Other than that, I don’t really have any comments. I wasn’t very happy with the way the game was governed tonight and I don’t wanna give the Commissioner any money so I’d just leave it at that, okay? Thank you.”

During Meralco’s furious late rally in Friday night, plenty of calls had drawn the ire of Black, his staff, and team governor Al Panlilio.

With 2:45 left and Ginebra leading by 10, LA Tenorio was allegedly fouled by Anjo Caram. But based on the replays, Tenorio had fallen on his own.

Another instance that drew frustration from Black came with 47 ticks left. As the lead was cut down to just four, the Bolts were able to trap Brownlee near center court. Replays showed that Brownlee had committed a backcourt violation.

The calls proved crucial, as Ginebra escaped with a 101-96 win, once again denying Meralco their first championship.

“Obviously, there were calls that were tough down the stretch,” reflected assistant coach Luigi Trillo, “They called certain backings, we thought there was a backing but Ginebra played well in the start. It’s hard to play a knockout game chasing from behind. They had a lot of energy to start the game. LA and Justin hit shots that were mano-mano.”

Looking back, Trillo is proud with what the Bolts had accomplished this season, knowing that this experience will only help them come next season.

#ReadMore  Technical fouls do not sit well with Cone, Pumaren

“What I’m proud about this team is that we were without Ranidel, we were without Kelly Nabong, we were still right there. The momentum came too late but it is what it is,” the former champion head coach shared.

“Sometimes you get the breaks, you get a backing call over here, maybe a touch foul here but you have to play on.”

Written By


You May Also Like

Basketball

Meralco turned what was thought to be a dogfight to a lopsided mauling as it whipped Ginebra, 91-73, to arrest its two-game slide in...

Basketball

Northport made sure to get the job done before its long break, hacking out a 90-85 victory over Meralco to extend its streak to...

Basketball

Robert Bolick saved NLEX through clutch free throws once again to escape Meralco, 99-96, for its second win in the PBA Season 48 Philippine...

News

Bong Quinto came through in overtime as Meralco survived the hard-fighting Rain or Shine, 121-117, to barge into the win column of the PBA...

Basketball

ANTIPOLO – Rey Nambatac refused to see his debut become a footnote as he saved Blackwater from a massive collapse against Meralco, 96-93, in...

Basketball

The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unveiled the schedule for the season-ending Philippine Cup, set to kick off on February 28 and conclude on May...

3x3 Basketball

Meralco concluded its PBA 3×3 Third Conference campaign on a high note. The Bolts thwarted TNT Triple Giga’s back-to-back grand slam bid, securing a...

3x3 Basketball

Meralco once again emerged victorious against TNT, securing a 21-13 win to repeat as the leg champion of the PBA 3×3 Third Conference on...

Advertisement