MVP hits PBA officiating after Talk 'N Text loss
Manny V. Pangilinan, the businessman turned sportsman and owner of the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters and Meralco Bolts in the PBA, voiced out his frustrations on Twitter after his flagship team was downed by the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers for the last semifinals slot in the 2014 PLDT myDSL Philippine Cup.
Very bad officiating tonight. Maxim - sports give fair and equal chances to protagonists. Why cant we see that, and practice it?
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) January 26, 2014
In the elimination game, the Mixers were given 23 free throws while the Tropang Texters shot 22. San Mig Super Coffee was whistled for 18 fouls while Talk ‘N Text was called for 25. However, in the fourth quarter, Talk ‘N Text was called for 11 fouls while San Mig Super Coffee only got one. The 11 fouls led to 16 free throw attempts for the Mixers who made nine. Talk ‘N Text lost by eight points, 90-82.
Nayari kami sa 4th quarter.
— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) January 26, 2014
In the post-game press conference, San Mig Super Coffee head coach Tim Cone said that Talk ‘N Text’s early foul troubles in the fourth quarter helped his team grab the momentum.
“I thought the game turned when we were able to get them in early penalty and that kind of changed the way they defend,” Cone said. With the Tropang Texters in penalty before the midway point of the fourth quarter, the Mixers had more space to operate on offense.
The game saw the end of the Tropang Texters' three year reign as Philippine Cup champions. The San Mig Coffee Mixers will now face the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in the semis while the Petron Blaze Boosters will face the Rain or Shine Elastopainters on the other bracket.
Earlier in the conference, Barako Bull Energy head coach Bong Ramos was slapped a 30,000 peso fine by the PBA as he vehemently complained about 29 free throws awarded to the Mixers in the fourth quarter of their elimination round game. Barako Bull got 17 free throws in that entire game.
