Far Eastern University head coach Olsen Racela could not hide his frustration after they absorbed a 73-70 loss to University of the Philippines on Tuesday.
The defeat dropped them further behind fourth-running National University.
But the PBA legend did not feel frustrated just for the loss. It was also the officiating.
“I’m just proud of the way he fought today. Binibigay nilang effort for the whole game,” said Racela about the Tamaraws.
“It’s just na unfair we did not get the calls in the end. I felt may mga fouls kay Emman (Ojuola), actually the whole season. Ilan games na puro hawak sa kanya.”
Prior to this game, the product of Naga College Foundation had been averaging 11.38 points per game. Despite his work in the paint, the 6-foot-7 Nigerian had only been attempting four free throws a game.
Against UP, Ojuola posted numbers of 16 points on 5-of-16 shooting from the field and 6-of-10 from the stripe.
“Emman is one the best guys sa pagsi-seal but they’re not giving him enough the credit,” Racela continued.
“Well, I’m talking about the officials ang daming hawak kay Emman na di tinatawag.
“Kawawa naman si Emman ang tagal ng naghintay,” he continued as Ojuola has been waiting on FEU’s sidelines since 2019. “Napakapasensyoso ni Emman at buti nga di siya natatawagan ng technical.”
But it’s not just the calls on Ojuola Racela ruled but also a crucial non-call that happened during the crucial stretch of the game.
With 4:08 left in the game, Ricci Rivero took too many steps before scoring a bucket, but a travelling violation was not called. Officials called Racela for a tech afterward.
“Kanina, I’m sure nakita niyo yung crucial na point in the game that binalikan kami ng two points ni Ricci Rivero, na we felt nag travel himself,” lamented a dejected Racela.
“‘Di talaga kami makakuha ng fair shakes sa mga tawag.”
Still, there’s no point for FEU to sulk.
As of publishing, the Tamaraws are 1.5 games behind the Bulldogs. The latter will next face the Adamson Soaring Falcons.
And on Thursday, the two teams will meet in a pivotal bout that will prove to be the inflection point of FEU’s season.
“We move on. Crucial game for us is actually the one on Thursday against the NU.”
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