UAAP suspends refs in Ateneo-Adamson game.
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MANILA, Philippines - University Athletics Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Commisioner for Basketball Ato Badolato has made his first swift action of the season, suspending all 3 referees offiating the Ateneo vs Adamson game in the UAAP Thursday afternoon.
It was a close game that saw Adamson pull away mid-way in the 4th quarter. Alex Nuyles led the Falcons to a 6-point lead 58-52 going into the last 3 minutes.
But Ateneo was able to crawl back into the game, and in the last 2 minutes had zero field goal made.
Instead, the sticky defense of Adamson was called for 4 consecutive fouls in the last 2 minutes, resulting in 8 free throws that Ateneo took advantage off to get the lead back and seal the win.
The “tight officiating” was in contrast to what Commissioner Badolato had promised prior to the start of the season—that games will be decided on the floor with the players making big plays and not by referees’ calls and free throws.
In a text message to abs-cbnnews.com Badolato explained his action.
“First, let us clarify that some of d 8 free throws were d result of duty fouls. However, I agree that there were some bad calls. We have suspended d 3 refs 4 2 playing days (jrs and women included),” he said.
The result of the game will stand as Ateneo went up to 1-1 while Adamson dropped to 1-1.
