Careline-RP loses to Thais in controversial basketball game

CEBU, Philippines - Careline-Pilipinas bowed to Thailand, 87-77, in a game marred by a controversial decision by the organizers of the ASEAN School Games allowing the Thais to play despite wearing a wrong uniform Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Thais, who will meet the Malaysians in the finals for the gold medal, arrived at the gymnasium with a wrong uniform, prompting Careline-Pilipinas officials to call the attention of tournament officials.

But instead of heeding the protest and disqualifying the Thais from playing, league officials lent Malaysian uniforms to the Thais and allowed them to play.

Disappointed, the RP team, backed by Ever Bilena and former PBL chairman Dioceldo Sy, filed a protest, but tournament officials defended their move, saying they did not violate any rules.

Led by Danica Jose and Tere Aseron, who combined for 41 points, 16 rebounds and four assists, the Nationals rallied from a 30-point deficit (73-43) in the third period, cutting the lead to as low as seven but didn’t have enough gas to complete the comeback.

Kitkat Nitorreda scored 17 points while Elrica Castro made 12 points and dished out eight assists for the Nationals, who failed to sustain their strong start after leading 20-14 in the first quarter. (THE FREEMAN)