Racela wants UAAP to do something about inconsistency of refs

MANILA, Philippines – Like DLSU’s Aldin Ayo, FEU Tamaraws head coach Nash Racela was also unhappy with the UAAP referees officiating his team’s game against the Green Archers on Saturday, November 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Up by 8 in the third period, FEU crumbled down the stretch and suffered its third straight loss to fall to 8-5 and behind the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the standings.

“[Prince] Orizu had 3 fouls early,” was the first comment Racela made when asked about the topic.

Orizu played close to 23 minutes but was limited by 4 fouls in a game where the Tamaraws could have used his physicality and inside presence against La Salle’s Ben Mbala.

Orizu picked up 3 fouls in the first half, then was called for his fourth in the final period on a shot attempt by Abu Tratter.

Prior to the second half, the officiating crew talked with Ayo and FEU assistant coach Eric Gonzales about how they planned on calling the rest of the game. Racela, who was unable to be in the discussion because he was still in the dug-out, thinks “they wanted to adjust.”

The head coach then said, “I don’t know why. You can’t be consistent if you differ from the first half.

“I think that’s a concern for most of the teams. If you call it physical the first half, then you call it physical the second half.”

The Tamaraws are already assured of making the Final Four, but the team’s head coach wants the collegiate league to do something about the officiating before the next phase of the tournament.

“They should do something about it,” he said about the UAAP. “Yeah, they should do something about it. All we could do really is call their attention.” – Rappler.com