Philippine Basketball Association commissioner Willie Marcial admitted that Rome Dela Rosa’s triple late in regulation of the 2019 Philippine Cup semis Game Seven between the Magnolia Hotshots and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters should have counted.
Dela Rosa made a corner three-pointer with 3:28 left in the fourth quarter. Unfortunately, many heavily questioned its validity as the shot clock had already expired while the ball was still clearly in the 6-foot-4 forward’s hand as per the replays.
That shot was never turned during the game, and it then gave Magnolia enough momentum to win in overtime, 63-60. They forged a rematch with defending four-time All-Filipino champions San Miguel Beermen in the championship bout.
“Regarding sa shoot ni Dela Rosa, sa’kin ‘yun. Nakita namin not counted,” the amiable executive admitted during the Finals press conference Mon onday afternoon at Sambokojin in Eastwood City, Libis, Quezon City.
Marcial also admitted that the table officials were as confused with the situation as the referees on the floor.
“Ang ano lang dun kasi, yung referee. tinitignan yung labanan sa gitna. Ang aassist dun dapat eh yung table. Eh pagtingin niya sa table, hindi rin nila tinaas yung twenty-four – nagdalawang-isip din yung table,” he said.
Given that, Marcial said that they simply banked on the fact that the referees’ decision is always final.
“Pero kahit itinaas nila yung twenty-four or kahit hindi niya itinaas yung twenty-four, ang may final say pa rin doon is yung referees. Judgment yun,” said Marcial.
“May mga ganung aspect na ‘di mo makikita minsan.”
