Del Rosario defends Thompson after end-game miscues in Altas loss
Scottie Thompson reacts after the Altas succumb to Red Lions in close game. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of Perpetual Help head coach Aric del Rosario had Scottie Thompson’s back after the Altas star took flak for his missed free throws and end-game turnover in a loss to defending champion San Beda Tuesday.
Del Rosario said Thompson is not to be blamed despite muffing eight free throws, including five in the fourth quarter, and committing a costly turnover with 6.8 seconds left.
READ: Red Lions escape Altas for solo second
“He didn’t want that to happen. He can’t be blamed,” del Rosario said in Filipino. “I told him to bounce back next game.”
“Moments like this happens even if you’re a veteran player.”
His 5-of-13 shooting from the free throw line was uncharacteristic of him after going into the game shooting 83% from the line, hitting 25 out of his 30 attempts.
READ: Triple-double machine Thompson is NCAA week’s best
Del Rosario also felt Thompson, who logged 39 minutes on the court, got tired in the end with San Beda’s defense hounding him from the opening tip.
“He got tired. He was the one bringing the ball, he was attacking the basket. I told him to play point guard because we couldn’t get anything from our guards.”
The 22-year-old Thompson, a projected first round pick in the PBA Draft next month, finished with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block. He shot a decent 7-of-14 from the field but his performance will be defined by those missed free throws and errant inbound pass.
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“You saw his efforts tonight. You can’t put the blame on him.”
Thompson declined for an interview. CFC
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