Jarencio-Black word war spices up UAAP showdown

UST coach Pido Jarencio (center) complains over a ref’s call. AUGUSTDELACRUZ

The UAAP Finals has heated up even more with University of Santo Tomas coach Pido Jarencio getting a “strong reprimand” for his Game 1 outburst and Ateneo mentor Norman Black calling the reaction of his rival mentor as “mean” and “uncalled for.”

League commissioner Ato Badolato strongly admonished Jarencio for confronting the referees and accusing them of being partial to the Eagles after Game 1 of the men’s basketball championship won by Ateneo, 83-78, Saturday.

For his part, Black resented Jarencio’s comments that the Tigers got most of the bum calls and insinuated that game officials were partial to the American mentor.

“Hindi na naman patas yung tawagan (The officiating wasn’t fair again),” Jarencio told reporters after the game. “Kailangan pa ba mag-English ako para paboran nila ako? (Do I have to speak English so they’ll favor me?)”

Refuting Jarencio’s claims, Black pointed out that Ateneo only had 12 free throw attempts compared to UST’s 26; that Ateneo stars Kiefer Ravena, Greg Slaughter and Ryan Buenafe were all in foul trouble with four fouls each in the final quarter; and the Eagles were already in penalty with still eight minutes to go.

“We won despite those numbers; the facts don’t back up what he’s saying right now,” said Black, adding that his team also reviewed the calls in the final minutes of the game.

“The part about speaking English and that I’m American, that’s why the referees are biased towards me, that’s uncalled for. It’s mean and totally unsportsmanlike.”

Despite the distractions, the Blue Eagles hope to complete a series sweep in Game 2 on Thursday.

“I’ve lived in the Philippines long enough to know that Filipinos love the underdog. So many don’t want to see us winning,” said Black. “But isn’t sports about excellence? It won’t change our attitude on winning. We’re still going to try to do what no team has done for a long time.”

A fifth straight championship will give the Blue Eagles a spot in league history as the second longest reigning team behind University of the East’s seven-year romp starting in 1965.

“Bahala na sila kung anong desisyon nila, pero ako, sinasabi ko lang ang totoo (I’ll let them decide, but I’m just telling the truth),” said Jarencio. “We want consistency in the officiating. Let the players decide the outcome of the game.”