Kazakh ref blamed for Pinay five bitter loss

MEDAN, Indonesia – The Xtreme RP team took a heartbreaking 69-70 setback to Malaysia here Sunday and missed gaining a Level I berth in the next FIBA Asia under-18 ladies championship.

Fria Bernardo missed a desperation shot at the buzzer, enabling the Malaysians to escape with the victory and keep their spot in the elite group along with Japan, China, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

Kazakhstan was promoted to Level I play after crushing India, 84-67, in the final day of the weeklong event topped by Japan with a 90-87 win of China.

The RP team, however, claimed it was robbed of the victory and promotion to elite level by the Kazakhstan referee.

“The referee decided the outcome of the game,” rued RP delegation head Perry Martinez.

The Kazakh ref stymied the RP belles with bum calls, including a technical foul on Mhean Leviste and three straight illegal travel infractions on Raiza Rose Palmera down the stretch.

Palmera was as stunned as she was called dribbling violations on the same move she’d made all-tournament long.

“All tournament and the whole game that was my move and then I was called for an infraction in the final minute,” said Palmera.

“The Medan experience was painful yet promising. It proved that there is hope for our women’s basketball,” said Martinez.