TNT not giving up, but seeks fair officiating

MANILA, Philippines — The TNT KaTropa management remains hopeful it would make the PBA Governors Cup Finals although the Texters are down 1-2 in their best-of-five semis showdown with the defending champs Barangay Ginebra Kings.

“Di pa naman tapos (The series is not yet over). We’ll see, we’ll do our best,” said Ricky Vargas, a top official of the MVP Group.

Vargas still sees rays of hopes especially on how they nearly beat the Gin Kings Friday night despite what many felt were so many calls that went against them.

“Pumasok ako sa dugout. I was very proud to have been inside that dugout maybe as opposed in another dugout. Pumasok ako kasi I wanted to congratulate the team,” Vargas said, lauding the Texters on their admirable stand in their 103-106 loss in Game Three.

He expressed his disappointment over the officiating.

“It speaks for itself 43 foul shots (given to Ginebra) as against 14 to TNT. Had it been a little more balanced, we would have the chance to win that game. I think we played hard. Ang ganda ng opportunity. It’s very close. It would have been a great game,” he said.

“Pero kailan ba naging fair ang buhay. It’s full of challenges. All you have to do is overcome the challenges,” he added.

Then he touched on the incident between TNT coach Nash Racela and Ginebra top official Alfrancis Chua at halftime of the game.

“We should check our behavior, our conduct, our demeanor especially coming from team management because our players shadow our leadership so they look at our leadership and act accordingly. That’s what it is,” said Vargas.

Chua and Racela figured in a heated verbal altercation as the two teams were retreating to their dugouts at the half. Proverbial cooler heads had to intervene.