TNT coach hopes for consistency in officiating in PBA finals game 4

By: Celest R. Flores - 11 years ago

Talk N’ Text head coach Norman Black. NOY MORCOSO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Talk N’ Text head coach Norman Black is hoping that come Game 4, the referees will start blowing their whistles fairly for both sides.

“I just hope that the [next] game is governed well to give us a fair chance of winning,” Black said after the Tropang Texters’ heartbreaking 75-77 loss to San Mig Coffee Tuesday night.

Black felt that the officiating was one-sided in favor of the Mixers especially towards the latter part of the match, which went down-the-wire.

“I just think that contacts in the game of basketball should be called evenly of both ends. If you’re calling fouls on one team, then the same contact should be called on the other end,” he said.

The straight-forward American coach was disappointed by what he thought were lack calls called against San Mig Coffee after the Mixers neared their team foul limit in the payoff period.

“I will watch the tape if you want specifics. But I’m just telling you what I feel right now,” Black answered when asked to name specific calls where he felt the Texters got the short end of the stick.

“There were so many contacts that weren’t called after San Mig picked up their fifth foul in the fourth [quarter]. They stopped calling fouls.”

Talk N’ Text shot from the line nine times, while the Mixers attempted 20 free throws.

But the Tropang Texters did have a golden chance to put the Mixers away after taking a 75-71 lead with only 1:15 left, but couldn’t close out as James Yap delivered the dagger for San Mig Coffee.

But despite the setback, Black nonetheless commended his players’ effort.

“It was a hard fought game. My guys certainly put in the effort. They did what I asked them to do, which is limit their turnovers. We’re just gonna put this one behind us and get ready for the game.”

Game 4 is scheduled on Thursday, 8 p.m. at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.