FILE–JRU Heavy Bombers’ coach Louie Gonzales. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—Jose Rizal University coach Louie Gonzales didn’t take the squad’s loss to College of St. Benilde lightly.
Losing is one thing but Gonzales rued that the Heavy Bombers lost due to unfair officiating.
“For me, the calls were really bad. I felt that right from the get-go, they didn’t let us play basketball. They stopped us,” Gonzales told GMA News Online after their 84-81 loss to the Blazers at San Juan Arena on Tuesday.
“We prepared so much for this game knowing that we really needed to win for a better standing but if the referees would control the game, nothing will happen. In that game, three unsportsmanlike fouls and four technicals from the get-go, how will we compete?”
Gonzales was ejected in Tuesday’s game early due to two technical fouls. Just after seven minutes of action in the second quarter, Gonzales got his second tech which urged his assistants to take over the game.
The veteran tactician’s early exit from the game seemingly lit a fire under the Heavy Bombers as they fought toe-to-toe until the end against the Season 98 finalists.
JRU’s comeback efforts without its head mentor weren’t left unnoticed.
“I commended my boys. I know they’re not used to me not being there, especially in that manner but they stuck with each other,” Gonzales said.
With the loss, JRU momentarily dropped out of the Final Four picture with an 8-6 record.
The Heavy Bombers have a chance to get back in the win column anew as they face defending champion Letran on Saturday.