MANILA, Philippines—The PBA Commissioner’s office on Thursday admitted that one of the referees made an incorrect decision in the final minute of the game between NorthPort and Phoenix in the Philippine Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Sean Anthony made a three-pointer that could’ve broken the 96-all deadlock with 47.8 seconds left in the game but the field goal was canceled out after referee Noy Guevarra called an offensive foul against NorthPort’s forward, which made a huge impact in the game’s outcome.
READ: Pido Jarencio blasts officiating in NorthPort loss to Phoenix
“Upon review of the February 27, 2019 game between NorthPort Batang Pier and Phoenix Fuel Masters, the PBA Technical Group had come to the conclusion and admits that the offensive foul called by referee Noy Guevarra against NorthPort’s Sean Anthony during the last 47.8 seconds of the fourth quarter of the game was a wrong call,” said the league in a statement.
Phoenix big man Justin Chua was credited with taking the charge and the Fuel Masters came away with an 98-96 victory after Jason Perkins’ free throws.
Although Anthony kept his composure after the call, NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio fumed.
READ: PBA: Phoenix leans on defense anew to turn back NorthPort
“Referees don’t decide the game, you don’t call an offensive foul like that,” said and angry Jarencio after the match.
“It was an unfortunate mistake by the referee in calling the offensive foul and we regret the wrong call made,” said the league. “Accordingly, the erring referee shall be meted the appropriate sanction.”
The loss sent the Batang Pier to their third straight loss and a 2-3 record for the eighth seed while the Fuel Masters stayed at the second spot with a 6-1 card.
“Rest assured that the PBA Technical Group holds impartiality, transparency, fairness and integrity as prime values in officiating and with only what is best for the league and its fans in mind,” added the league.