Tensions flare between Tab Baldwin, Nash Racela in UAAP playoff duel

Adamson coach Nash Racela and Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin and Adamson tactician Nash Racela were slapped with double technical fouls after a verbal altercation in the final 53 seconds of the third quarter in the playoff for No.4 in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.

Baldwin and the Blue Eagles got the last laugh as they dominated the Falcons with a 70-48 victory to enter the UAAP Final Four on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Both coaches were mum about their double technical fouls with the Ateneo coach saying it was about golf.

“I was really upset that the referee stepped in, I thought there was a real moment there where I had the opportunity to learn from Coach Nash about my putting stroke and because he’s an excellent golfer, and he was giving me some advice,” said Baldwin after the game.  “And I not only was upset that the referee stopped it but then he also gave both of us a technical foul. But I’m not allowed and we’re not allowed to talk about the referees.”

“So I’m just going to say thank you to the referee for you know, taking that learning moment away from me, but I’ll talk to coach Nash and he’ll get me out on the golf course. And correct my putting it Lord knows it needs it,” he added.

Adamson coach Nash Racela. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

But when asked about his version of the story, Racela implied that it had nothing to do with golf and the exchange wasn’t as pleasant.

“You really want the truth about what he said? You wanna know what came out of his mouth? It’s not for kids to hear. So they’re gonna read when I talk about it so I won’t say it anymore,” said Racela, who used to work with Baldwin at Gilas and TNT.

Racela and Baldwin also didn’t see eye-to-eye after the game as both teams shook hands.

“Ah nandoon ba siya kanina (Ah, was he there?) I was watching the last possession when I was walking towards the Ateneo bench so I probably missed him. Whether it was intentional or not,“ said the Adamson coach.

It all started when Racela didn’t like the fourth-quarter officiating of their second-round duel. Baldwin defended the league and criticized the “shameful” acts of “a member of the UAAP family, which surprised the Adamson coach.

Baldwin lauded his coaching staff for their preparation as it has always been a tough duel between Ateneo and Adamson.

Ateneo continues its title-retention bid against the twice-to-beat University of the Philippines in the Final Four on Saturday, while Adamson begins its road for next season.