Refs to Ross: Nothing’s free

MANILA, Philippines — PBA officials who worked the San Miguel Beer-Ginebra match Sunday admitted they erred for giving Chris Ross the free throw that led to a bizarre end of the contest won by the Gin Kings.

But PBA technical chief Eric Castro said there was some sort of deceit on the part of Ross who took the free throw intended for Chico Lanete and slapped the Beermen a technical that led to a 100-96 decision.

L.A. Tenorio sealed the win with a technical foul shot and the Gin Kings went on to stop the Beermen’s winning run.

Castro cited the league rule stating that a player who deliberately takes a place of the designated free throw shooter shall be given a delay of game warning if the free throw has not been attempted, and any succeeding similar offense shall result in a non-sportsmanlike technical foul. If the free throw has been attempted by the role shooter the player shall be assessed with an unsportsmanlike technical foul.”

Castro explained the endgame confusion to the media and fans upon orders of PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial.

“I want transparency,” said Marcial.

Ross questioned the decision, saying he didn’t deliberately take the shot. “They walked up to me and gave me the ball, so I shot the free throw,” he said.

The SMB playmaker, however, admitted that he knew Lanete was the recipient of the free throw.

“But what am I supposed to do? Give the ball to Chico? It was bizarre, to say the least,” said Ross.

At press time, the Commissioner’s Office had yet to announce any sanction on the referees or the particular referee who handed the ball to Ross.

With big games from Tenorio, Japeth Aguilar, Jervy Cruz, Scottie Thompson and Raymond Aguilar, the Kings made an amazing fightback from an early 16-point deficit before beating the Beermen in a wild finish to check a three-game slide.

Ginebra caught up with Alaska Milk, GlobalPort, TNT KaTropa, Phoenix Petroleum and Rain or Shine at 3-3 while dropping SMB to a tie with Magnolia at 5-1.

Raymond Aguilar, a Ginebra trade recruit late last season, came through with an improbable 16-point explosion against June Mar Fajardo, helping the Kings back on track after three straight losses to Blackwater, Alaska and Phoenix.

Ginebra coach Tim Cone lauded Aguilar for his feat.

“He’s phenomenal. He took on June Mar, he made big shots, big plays, he’s amazing. He played out of his mind. I can’t thank him enough,” said Cone of Aguilar who matched his career-best game with Blackwater.

Aguilar was with Cruz, Tenorio, Thompson and Sol Mercado in a curious mix that turned things around for the Gin Kings in the third period.

From 16 points down at 17-33, the Kings led by as many as 14 at 80-66 before averting a meltdown at endgame.