HoopWatch

There was a foul on Ford Arao! With 12 seconds remaining, Arao grabbed the offensive rebound after a Jai Reyes miss. He went up for the stick-back but clearly got fouled by Rico Maierhoffer, but the “luto” referees let it go. The result, the Dela Salle Archers escaped with a narrow 70-69 victory, and gained the twice-to-beat advantage in the step-ladder format.

That non-call was big! If I may quote TJ Manotoc, “Maierhoffer had some arm[!]” With Ateneo just down by two, 67-69, that let-go decided the outcome of the game. There were a lot of questionable calls in this match favoring the Archers, which includes a flagrant on the mild-mannered Chris Tiu against Bader Malabes. Malabes was never hit on the head, it could have been all-ball as replays showed, but the cheating refs called it otherwise rewarding the Archers with two free-throws and a possession.

Jvee Casio redeemed himself after a 1-for-15 showing in their second encounter against the Eagles. He had 21 points and six rebounds.

Ateneo will now face the dangerous defending Champions UST Growling Tigers in a knock-out match, which will determine who will face the Archers, but needing to beat the Green-and-Mean twice. (photo courtesy of yyuseco.multiply.com)
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