CONVERGE is on the verge.
In the aftermath of Rain or Shine’s 130-118 loss to Converge in Game 1 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals, head coach Yeng Guiao did not hold back, launching a scathing critique of the officiating.
The untimely departure of import Deon Thompson due to foul trouble was, according to Guiao, a major factor in his team’s defeat.
Guiao was quick to call for an investigation into the officiating after Thompson fouled out with over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter.
The foul troubles came in rapid succession, with Thompson picking up three quick fouls — all against Converge’s Cheick Diallo — in the opening minutes of the second half, forcing him to sit and helplessly watch the game slip away.
“The referees decided the result of the game,” said an irate Guiao. “Just after the third quarter started, with less than nine minutes left, Thompson gets called for three controversial fouls in a row. From three fouls to six fouls in less than three minutes. That’s just unacceptable.”
Guiao, who was visibly frustrated, added, “The PBA should look into this. Those referees decided the outcome.”
Thompson, who played less than 25 minutes, finished with a modest 14 points and 6 rebounds, but his foul-out after committing a landing spot violation while challenging Diallo’s jump shot left a huge gap in the Elasto Painters’ lineup.
Though Rain or Shine remained competitive and even closed the gap to just one point (104-105) with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, the absence of a dominant presence in the paint was a crippling blow.
Guiao, unable to make an immediate substitution due to the speed of the calls, voiced his frustration over the entire sequence. “Those three fouls came so fast, we didn’t even have a chance to sub him out. A replacement was ready, but we never got the chance.”
“With the way they officiated, they should’ve called a lot more fouls across the board,” he continued. “It was a puzzling and unfair series of calls. These aren’t playoff-level decisions. You’re giving an import three fouls in a row in a playoff game?”
As Rain or Shine watched their once 17-point lead dwindle away, Guiao pointed to Thompson’s exit as the turning point. “We lost the game when we lost our import,” he stated bluntly.
Now, with their backs against the wall, Rain or Shine will look to bounce back in Game 2, hoping to force a decider on Friday, February 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
