Coach Leo's misery

A look of disappointment was written all over Adamson University Head Coach Leo Austria’s face after a dying second unsportsmanlike foul was called on Gian Abrigo and cost the Soaring Falcons a potential come-from-behind victory over De La Salle on Wednesday in the 76th University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Abrigo and Green Archers big man Norbert Torres were jockeying for position in De La Salle’s inbound play in the final 15.9 seconds of the game—with De La Salle on top, 67-65—when referee Francisco Olivar whistled the Adamson forward for an unsportsmanlike foul.

That changed the complexion of the crucial stage of the game as Torres sealed the Green Archers’ win from the free-throw line.

“It is very frustrating, that kind of call. I don’t know what has got into the referee who made the call,” said Austria. “[The referees] should have let the players decide the game. Imagine we were down by 16 or 20 points but we fought back. We showed our heart, pero nauwi sa wala.”

UAAP commissioner Chito Loyzaga, however, cited a league rule where all fouls during dead ball situations or when the game clock is stopped will be assessed as an unsportsmanlike foul in the final two minutes.

Austria said he is aware and understands the rule but questioned Olivar’s judgment.

“I understand the rule, but is there really a foul? Kung may foul, I am sorry for making the mistake of commenting. Pero sa nakita ko parehong jockeying for position. [Abrigo is] trying to deny the ball to the recipient. He is just raising his hand, pero hindi itinutulak.

“Kung talagang may foul tawagan, pero sa nakita ko they are just jockeying for position.”

Austria added that Torres should have been whistled a foul instead after he warded off Abrigo’s hand during the inbound play.