MANILA, Philippines – The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters lead the San Miguel Beermen in the Philippine Cup semifinals 2-1, but head coach Yeng Guiao is unhappy and feels “lucky” his team is ahead because of how referees are treating foul calls on June Mar Fajardo.
Talking to the media after Game 3, Guiao said that his team will have to talk with PBA officials.
“I think we’ll have to consult with the officials, because there’s just too many touch fouls, especially on Fajardo,” said the 56-year-old, 6-time champion.
“We don’t really understand what a foul is, and what a foul is not from the other game, to this game, in this series.”
Fajardo has been dominant in the 3 semifinals games against Rain or Shine, averaging 38 points, 18 rebounds, and 3 blocks a game. The reigning two-time league MVP has also already already taken 43 free throw attempts through the 3 contests, and has made 28.
“We lost one big man already, so we only have really 3 big men who are not even the matchups for June Mar but they have to defend him,” said Guiao, referring to the ankle injury suffered by big man Raymond Almazan during practice before Game 3.
“They have to defend him, and then all the ticky-tacky fouls, what else can we do? Wala na kami magawa (We can’t do anything).”
Guiao also specified what about the officiating has bothered him, saying that some calls being given to San Miguel aren’t being awarded to Rain or Shine.
“I guess we just have to clear some things up… kasi kung kami tinulak, hindi tinatawagan eh,” said Guiao.
(When we’re the ones being pushed, it’s not being called.)
“Kung kami ang bumanga nang konti, may tawag.”
(When we’re the ones who push a little bit, there are always calls.)
During Game 3, San Miguel actually took just 15 free throw attempts while Rain or Shine attempted 36.
“We’re lucky we won two games,” explained Guiao. “Masyadong alaga si June Mar. Sobrang alaga.”
(June Mar is too taken care of. Really.) – Rappler.com