MANILA — In the aftermath of Sunday’s intense showdown between Magnolia and Barangay Ginebra, the PBA has decided to suspend the entire officiating crew.
The suspension comes in the wake of a crucial missed call against Hotshots guard Mark Barroca, who made contact with Gin Kings star Scottie Thompson in the waning moments of the fourth quarter.
With the Hotshots leading 92-91 and only 11.5 seconds remaining, the Kings had a chance to take the lead with possession of the ball.
During a pivotal play, Thompson aggressively drove to the baseline, encountering defense from Barroca, who inadvertently hit the right arm of the one-time PBA Most Valuable Player as he attempted a layup. Television replays confirmed that Barroca indeed made contact with Thompson’s arm.
Magnolia guard Jio Jalalon secured the rebound and was subsequently fouled by Thompson in an attempt to stop the game clock.
PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro expressed his dissatisfaction, stating, “Unacceptable. There was contact. We failed to make a call.”
In a statement on Monday morning, Castro explained, “During the game, in real-time while the play was on, the game crew did not see a foul. The officials failed to call a foul (missed call) on Barroca against Thompson in the last 11.5 seconds of the 4th quarter.”
As a consequence of this oversight, the officiating crew for the game between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots has been suspended for their failure to identify the infraction.
(ai/mnm)