University of the East coach Chris Gavina did not hold back his words after the Red Warriors’ overtime loss at the hands of La Salle in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
Gavina wasn’t dwelling on yet another loss from his squad on Wednesday. He, however, drew the line on UE star Wello Lingolingo’s ejection for an unsportsmanlike foul. ‘I watched the video. They told me that Wello jumped f****** purposely on Baclaan on a loose ball? Get the f*** out of here,’ a furious Gavina said at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
‘Everyone’s going after it (the ball). Call a regular foul. You call an unspo on a play like that? Wello had 24 points at that moment. 24. They’re supposed to be the best of the best? Get the f*** out of here. Hell no. (They) took away our effort.’
WATCH: UE coach Chris Gavina, who went on a rant earlier regarding the officiating in their loss to La Salle earlier, exits the Mall of Asia Arena. Kean Baclaan had the ball on the floor when Lingolingo also attempted to dive for possession.
Unfortunately, as Lingolingo lunged for the ball, he landed directly on Baclaan’s right knee, forcing the La Salle guard to be stretchered out of the court.
Aside from calling out the officiating on the play, Gavina claimed other coaches have also voiced similar frustrations about the league’s refereeing this season.
‘I hope these three referees never f****** ref again in any of our games. It was a complete disservice for the outcome of this game and the beauty of the competition was taken away.’
UE remained winless after six games in the tournament.