UAAP: Nash Racela calls out foul disparity in Adamson loss to Ateneo

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, November 13) — Adamson University Soaring Falcons head coach Nash Racela called out what he claimed as foul disparity in their close encounter with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles in the second round of UAAP Season 86 men's basketball Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The veteran tactician, in displeasure and frustration, said the Blue Eagles were awarded with 15 free throws while the Soaring Falcons did not take a single shot from the charity stripe in the final quarter of the tight match.

Ateneo edged Adamson, 62-58, to occupy solo fourth spot as the Final Four race tightens.

"Maybe Ateneo played a ‘great fourth quarter,’ yeah? But this is something that surprised me. When we were up six points at the end of the third, we got into penalty right away with seven-and-a-half minutes, when we were up six. So, the story of the fourth quarter is 11 to 2 fouls. Ateneo got 15 free throws, we got nothing," Racela said during the post-match press conference.

For Racela, what transpired in the fourth period was disheartening for his wards as they fought hard throughout the contest.

"That’s the sad part, they’re taking away a lot from our players. I’d like to credit Ateneo for that game. Maybe they made great adjustments in the fourth quarter," he said.

Racela is calling for a fair treatment from the league as the tailend of the elimination round is nearing its conclusion.

"I know they (fans) like Ateneo to make it to the Final Four. I don’t know how many percentage, majority. The UAAP probably wants them (Ateneo), a lot of people want them to go in," he boldy said.

"Nothing is given for free, but if you give it to others for free, it’s not fair," he stressed.

The Blue Eagles hold a 6-6 win-loss slate while the Soaring Falcons own a 5-7 record.

Adamson will try to bounce back against the dangerous National University Bulldogs on Nov. 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Ateneo and UAAP officials have yet to issue a response as of posting time.