Just when Shawn Argente was heating up for Jose Rizal University in the third quarter against De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, the 23-year-old guard was whistled for a technical foul, his second infraction in the same period, resulting in his ejection.
Argente scored five quick points in the third, including a tough floater over the outstretched arm of Shawn Umali to pull the Heavy Bombers within five, 48-43, with 3:06 left.
But his celebrations didn't sit well with the referees, which led to a technical foul for taunting. That was already his second violation after being whistled for the same call after allegedly pointing his finger to a game official at the 5:56 mark.
In his defense, Argente said his celebration was meant for the JRU crowd.
"‘Yung thoughts ko lang is sobrang parang ang unfair naman no’n kasi celebration ‘yun eh at saka sa crowd naman ako nakatingin eh," Argente said.
"Sobrang layo na nu’ng referee, isipin mo nasa kabilang baseline siya tapos ako nasa kabilang baseline tapos tatawagan niya pa ako."
Without their team captain on the court, the Heavy Bombers still managed to keep it close against the surging Blazers with rookie Sanlea Peñaverde knotting the game at 49-all, although Benilde ended the frame holding on to a precious 55-51 cushion.
But JRU just lost steam in the endgame as Raffy Celis and Justine Sanchez provided the finishing magic to deliver Benilde's third straight victory in four games.
Argente admitted his ejection stalled their momentum, saying he felt helpless watching his teammates fight through the battle without him.
"Isa rin siguro ‘yun sa pagkawala ng momentum sa amin kasi ayun nga, ‘yung momentum nasa amin na tapos biglang tatawag ng gano’ng call. Parang sobrang cinontrol naman yata ‘yung laro," he added.
—JKC, GMA Integrated News
