MANILA, Philippines – The PBA suspended referee Rey Yante for the remainder of the Governors’ Cup after a crucial non-call in Game 3 of the quarterfinal series between Rain or Shine and Magnolia.
Yante failed to call a goaltending violation late in the Elasto Painters’ 111-106 overtime win over the Hotshots in Antipolo on Sunday, September 29, setting up a chaotic ending that left both teams furious at the officials.
“Referee Yante won’t be able to officiate for the rest of the conference,” PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro told reporters on Monday, September 30.
The wild finish saw Magnolia forward Zavier Lucero go hard to basket in an attempt to tie the game with his side trailing 104-106 only to get his shot blocked by Rain or Shine guard Jhonard Clarito.
Hotshots guard Jerrick Ahanmisi then fouled Gian Mamuyac before referees reviewed the previous play, ruling the Clarito block as a goaltending violation instead and counting the Lucero layup.
But the foul by Ahanmisi stood and meant potential go-ahead free throws for Mamuyac, prompting Magnolia coach Chito Victolero to criticize the officials.
Victolero argued Magnolia would not have fouled if only the referees made the goaltending call as it happened considering the Hotshots were already in penalty situation.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao also gave the officials a piece of his mind as he questioned why Victolero did not incur a technical foul as a punishment for his tirade.
Castro, though, said the referees refused to decide the game by slapping Victolero with a technical foul, which would have resulted in a technical free throw for the Elasto Painters.
“The referees have this feel for the game. For everybody who understood the game, those situations happen,” said Castro.
Mamuyac, Clarito, and import Aaron Fuller hit their free throws in the endgame as Rain or Shine seized a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.
Game 4 is on Tuesday, October 1, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. – Rappler.com
