La Salle’s Mbala to UAAP refs: ‘at least call the obvious fouls’

MANILA, Philippines – DLSU Green Archers big man Ben Mbala knows that the UAAP referees won’t always make the correct decisions, but the first-year center from Cameroon is hoping that they at the least blow their whistles during plays where it’s clearly evident a foul takes place.

That’s the sentiment Mbala shared after helping lead his Green Archers past the FEU Tamaraws in a heated and physical win which gave DLSU a 13-1 record to end the elimination round.

“It’s starting I’m something to get used to,” Mbala said, when asked about how UAAP officials treat him.

“Like I told before, they’re not perfect, they make mistakes, but the only thing I’m expecting them to do is at least call the obvious fouls and you know, not just let the game go the wrong way, because not calling it is just letting them think that they can keep doing it and doing it and it’s really not good for the game, especially when it’s televised.”

Mbala had 16 points and 16 rebounds, plus went to the foul line 10 times and shot 60% from the stripe. The big man was brought to the ground numerous times throughout the game during physical plays, and was also slapped a few times across the arm without a foul being called.

“People will look at it and it won’t be good for Philippine basketball,” added Mbala, who tweeted on Saturday night, November 12, that he needed a massage after the contest.

Both DLSU head coach Aldin Ayo and FEU head coach Nash Racela were also unhappy with the officiating, with Ayo even hinting that the referees give unfair treatment when it comes to making calls on Mbala.

The La Salle big man, who’s currently the favorite to win the UAAP MVP award, also said that the type of fouls being thrown his way that’s not getting assessed may lead to injury.

“Especially we’ve been having a lot of games and seeing the amount of minutes I’m playing, those type of fouls, it might usually be physical for me because I might easily get injured with the type of fouls.

“It’s really not good, especially for the players that’s going through those type of fouls. I just want the referees to be able to call the right fouls.” – Rappler.com