Bulldogs protest Tams' game-winner

MANILA, Philippines - National University yesterday put its Sunday’s 75-77 loss to Far Eastern U under protest, refuting match officials’ decision to count the game-winning layup by RR Garcia at the buzzer.

“The basket came after time expired,” NU athletic director Junel Baculi said yesterday after the Bulldogs transmitted to Commissioner Ato Badolato’s office the formal protest prepared by coach Eric Altamirano that he and president Nilo Ocampo endorsed.

Garcia knocked in a layup at the buzzer, which after a couple of video reviews was declared good by game officials, leading to the Tams’ eighth win in 11 outings and the Bulldogs fifth loss in 11 games.

“It’s really a questionable call, even the video can’t really show clearly. We ourselves reviewed it, ball was still in the tip of (Garcia’s) finger (when the buzzer sounded),” Altamirano said.

Badolato could not be reached for comment despite repeated attempts.

“We’re now waiting for the decision of the commissioner’s office and then we’ll see,” said Baculi.

FEU is also waiting.

“We have no say in the decision. Our role is to always play our best,” said a source from the FEU camp.

For his part, Tams coach Bert Flores said: “Normal lang naman kung magprotesta sila (It’s but normal for them to protest).”

But he insisted that Garcia indeed beat the clock.

“Convinced ako na counted iyun, nabitawan na yung bola bago pumula yung buzzer. Ilang beses ni-replay at kita naman ng lahat na counted. Si coach Junel nga, nakita ko yung reaction, hinampas yung table so alam din niya (I’m convinced Garcia made the basket before the red lights lit up at the buzzer. Replays proved it to everyone. Even coach Junel, judging by his reaction slamming his hand on the table, apparently realized it),” said Flores.

NU also filed a protest over in women’s beach volleyball against Ateneo on the issue of using player No. 3 Alyssa Valdez in lieu of No. 2 Bea Tan, who was sick.

“We’re following rules which state that teams can only substitute player No. 2 with player No. 3 if injured or sick, but the player should be present at the venue. If the said player is hospitalized, there should be a medical certificate to prove it,” Baculi said.

With Tan not present at the venue, ADMU defaulted its matches with UP and FEU.