More confusion in Mangaldan SK cagefest

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

TWICE I have written here (March 4 and 18 issues) about the brouhaha raised by the supporters, managers and especially the coaches of some teams over their immense consternation about the poor officiating of the referees and the table officials – producing catcalls, growls, boos and even curses – which is tarnishing the image of the 2012 Mangaldan Inter-Barangay Basketball Tournament.

I was there during those hullabaloos and it was sad to watch and hear countless unpleasant and disparaging remarks from the spectators addressed to the court officials due to their numerous gaffes, clumsiness and seeming lack of experience in officiating some of the matches. But luckily, so far, no untoward incident has happened yet, which is much different in the 2003 tilt. (No need to detail the 2003 skirmishes because that would be very lengthy and a very appalling account and for sure I will run out of space here)

I was there again at MYDC last Tuesday evening (March 27) purposely to watch my team Buenlag, see how my barangay mates perform their last duty of the tournament against the dark-horse Bari. Unfortunately, the match resulted to another unattractive event when the table officials led by Tony “Baang” Magalong and Jay de Leon did not count a Bari cager’s three-point shot, the last shot of the match, because according to the two the time had already expired and the buzzer already sounded before the cager released the ball from his hands. The decision was agreed to by NARECOM commissioner Jun Amado who’s also one of the referees during the match. Of course as anticipated, the verdict was hastily disputed by the Bari camp with much dismay, led by their head coach Roger Jimenez. Catcalls, boos, howls and even curses were heard again inside the gym, very similar to what happened on March 18. But the court officials were adamant and defied the “hue and cry” of the rowdy Bari mob. That happened during the last 6.7 seconds of the game when Bari team inbound the ball from the northern side of the court and time already expired as many said (not from Bari) before the player jumped and released the ball.

I did not hear when the buzzer sounded because of the big noise from the boisterous crowd. But I was aware of the last 6.7 seconds left because a timeout was called and saw the game clock. But my attention was focused on the dribbler when the game resumed and he was being double-teamed by two Buenlag players with a zigzag run, fearing that the two Buenlag players might foul the dribbler who will then take two free throws that may tie the game for overtime. Luckily the dribbler’s attempt went into the basket but unluckily it prompted the game into perplexity and turned into a big predicament. Many are saying that the real root of the upheaval is about money betting. I believe it could be true.

Honestly I was confused, too, about the state of affairs and so I decided to approach non-Buenlag and non-Bari residents JR Fabia and Rene Magno to solicit their opinion since they were sitting at the left side next to the table officials, believing that the two heard the sound of the buzzer. The two are former basketball players themselves and avid followers of the tourney. The two clearly said the buzzer already sounded before the dribbler took off, adding that the court officials (this time) were on the right stance and good decision.

The case is moot and academic. But in spite of that Buenlag victory, the Jazy Sports sponsored quintet were not able to land the four semis slots, carding three wins and five losses. Bari, on the other hand, landed third with a four-four record, same with Alitaya for fourth place. Poblacion and Guilig occupy the two top posts.

See you there again during the semis and the finals. Hopefully there will be no more big problems. Honestly, I have a big doubt about that, but hopefully I will be wrong.

*      *      *      *

QUOTEOF THE WEEK: Now Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” Jesus said to him, “It is as you say.” MATTHEW 27: 11

Back to Homepage

Share your Comments or Reactions

comments

Powered by Facebook Comments