Compton rues foul, free throw discrepancies

Aces coach Alex Compton looks down after Alaska absorbed a 30-point beating in game 1.

Ever the gentleman, Alaska coach Alex Compton has never been one to hit out at things that are out of his control.

He tried so very hard to hide his disappointment over the officiating on Wednesday night, after the Aces failed to wrap up their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup title series with San Miguel Beer for the second straight game.

The way he talked after Game 5 at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao drove home his point effectively.

“I don’t know how you (media) guys can spin this, but what do you see in the stats sheets?” Compton asked in a very composed manner, obviously trying to contain his displeasure.

The Aces were called for a total of 37 fouls, 20 more than what the Beermen were whistled for in the highly physical game that resulted in San Miguel trooping to the charity stripe a total of 35 times and making 23.

Calvin Abueva fouled out in the dying seconds of overtime, Sonny Thoss and Vic Manuel finished with five fouls each and no San Miguel player had more than three fouls in its  86-73 victory.

Alaska was awarded just five free throw attempts.

“I am just pointing out facts and I think that has an impact on the game,” said Compton.

“They get 30 more free throws than you do and get 20 more fouls called (against us) is a big discrepancy,” he said while scratching his head. “It would be very difficult to win.”