PBA: Cone slams ‘terrible’ officiating crew after Ginebra Game 2 loss

Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone reacts during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals against TNT.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Barangay Ginebra coach Tim Cone felt his team was on the wrong end of the stick as far as the officiating was concerned in Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.

In a rare show of voicing his frustration over the calls, Cone didn’t mince words shortly after the Gin Kings’ 101-94 loss to the TNT Tropang 5G on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“We tried to make a run, but we couldn’t get a break from the referees. I thought it was a terrible crew,” he said.

Peter Balao, Mike Flordeliza, Kenny Hallig and Jerome Gay were drawn to preside over Game 2.

Cone noted how his team, particularly Justin Brownlee, had a hard time buying a whistle from the four officials.

“Justin [Brownlee] had four free throws. He was going to the rim, he was getting around the basket, wasn’t getting a call all night,” Cone said. “And so I usually don’t complain about referees after a game. That’s one thing I don’t normally do.

READ: PBA Finals: Chris McCullough not surprised by Ginebra’s late run

“But tonight, I just felt the crew was not a good crew tonight. And they’ve got to have a better crew next time out,” he added.

That being said, Cone was also adamant about Ginebra’s need to play better after allowing TNT to race to an early lead, forcing themselves to play catch up the rest of the way.

“That came down to the fact that we just didn’t show up in the beginning of the game,” Cone admitted. “That’s just not us and you got to tip your cap to TNT for their defense. They did well, they jumped out well. We’ve got to find some answers.”