Guiao slams officiating as early import exit cripples Rain or Shine in quarters loss

Guiao urged the league to investigate the referees after Thompson fouled out with over eight minutes left in the third quarter of a 130-118 defeat on Wednesday, February 5.

Thompson incurred three rapid fouls — all on FiberXers counterpart Cheick Diallo — inside the first four minutes of the third quarter and headed for the bench, helplessly watching the Elasto Painters fall 0-1 in the best-of-three series.

“Actually, the referees decided the result of the game. The third quarter just started, a little less than nine minutes, he got called for three consecutive contentious fouls. From three fouls to six fouls in less than three minutes,” Guiao said.

“I think the PBA should investigate those referees. They decided the game.”

Thompson, who finished with just 14 points and 6 rebounds in under 25 minutes of action, fouled out after a landing spot infraction when he tried to challenge a jump shot by Diallo.

Rain or Shine remained within shouting distance even without Diallo and trailed 104-105 with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter, but the absence of an imposing presence in the middle proved to be its undoing.

Guiao said the three fouls were so quick that he did not get a chance to sub Thompson out even with a replacement already prepared to come in.

“If they officiated that way, they should have called a lot more fouls,” said the outspoken mentor. “It was puzzling and unfair.”

“I do not think those are playoff calls. We’re in the playoffs. You’re going to give an import three consecutive fouls?”

While the Elasto Painters frittered away a 17-point lead, Guiao said the sudden departure of Thompson ultimately impaired their winning chances.

“The point that we lost was when we lost our import,” said Guiao.

Rain or Shine hopes to stay alive and drag Converge to a sudden death with a win on Friday, February 7, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. – Rappler.com