Guiao rues officiating, says refs hypnotized by Abueva's 'acting job' 

 

photo by KC CRUZ, GMA News

After failing to close out Alaska once again on Friday night, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao bared his intention to clarify the Game Five officiating with PBA Commissioner Chito Narvasa.

The fiery mentor especially took issue with how the referees called the fouls on Alaska spark plug Calvin Abueva, who drew six fouls from the Elasto Painters.

"All the refs are hypnotized by the acting job put up by Abueva. Pag kami binangga, flop, pag sila umarte, foul kami," he told reporters after his team lost 86-78.

Guiao noted that the Aces had an advantage with the 27-11 free throw attempt discrepancy swinging in their favor. Rain or Shine committed more fouls, 28-20.

"'Yun ang gusto ko ma-clarify kasi I didn't feel that all those fouls were fouls," he said. 

"We will make clarifications with the office of the Commissioner tomorrow and show them the video."

The coach also said that the free throw difference could be observed in Game Four, with Alaska ahead 41-32 in total attempts from the line.

"Alaska has been given too many free throws. The discrepancy is just too big," he said. "Looking at the other numbers, di naman nagkakalayo lahat e, sa free throws lang."

Guiao, whose wards are still leading the series 3-2 despite dropping the last two games, said that the E-Painters have to avoid sending the Aces to the line in order win the championship.

"Those free throws really mattered a lot. If we can minimize giving up that many free throws, maybe we can finish it off on Wednesday," he said. — APG, GMA News