Adamson coach Nash Racela releases full letter to UAAP on officiating of game vs Ateneo

Adamson University head coach Nash Racela on Tuesday night released the letter he sent to the UAAP commissioner's office after the league announced he would not be suspended following his supposed violation of a UAAP rule.

In Racela's letter addressed to basketball commissioner Xavi Nunag and deputy commissioner Mariana Lopa, the Adamson head coach zoomed in on the calls made during the latter part of the final period of their game against Ateneo de Manila University where they fell, 62-58.

"The moment I got hold of your post game report, the first and only thing I checked was the "Obasa block" on Manzano at the 00:26 mark of the 4th quarter. To be honest, I was hoping we would have the same comments about the incident. But to my surprise, the comments say CNC when in fact, there was a clear hit on the arm of Manzano and it was clear that Obasa never hit the ball. We were down 1 during that time and calling a foul on Obasa could've given us our only 2 FT attempts of the quarter. I understand there's no guarantee that Manzano would've made his FTs but who knows what could have happened" Racela wrote in the letter.

The Adamson coach, however, hopes he and the office could still "see eye to eye hopefully before Season 86 ends."

"Having said this, I don't see any reason to apologize for the things I've said about how the game was officiated and for the emotions I've shared during that time. But if it will do us any good, then I apologize for the mere mention of the UAAP in the interview. I guarantee that there was no malice intended and there was no intention to cast doubt on the integrity of the league."

Prior to this, the UAAP on Tuesday released a statement saying the Commissioner's Office has accepted Racela's clarification and with this, the Adamson coach would avoid being suspended for their next game against National University.

"In consideration of Coach Racela's apology and clarification, the UAAP Basketball Commissioner's Office has decided not to suspend him for Adamson University's upcoming game against National University on Wednesday, November 15. However, Coach Racela has been issued a stern reprimand as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the league's integrity and sportsmanship," the league said.

The league also released the game report of the calls made during the fourth quarter of their game against Ateneo.

In a post-game conference last Sunday, Racela rued the alleged disparity of the free throws given to both teams and Joseph Obasa's alleged hit on Cedrick Manzano which would have brought the latter to the free throw line.

"When we were up six points at the end of the third, we got into penalty right away with 7 and a half minutes when we were up six. The story of the fourth quarter is 11 to 2 fouls. Ateneo got 15 free throws and we got nothing. That's the sad part. They're taking away a lot from our players," Racela said.

"Even the last attempt of Manzano when we were down one, Obasa hit him. I know he's not a good free throw shooter but at least give him a chance," the Adamson coach added.

Racela also referenced a complaint previously aired by University of the East Jack Santiago in a report. 

"Now I know how UE felt when they complained when Ateneo got 30+ free throws against they're four. Sa'min, the timing, why fourth quarter?"

He also made a remark on Ateneo's chances of making it to the Final Four.

"I know they like Ateneo to make it to the Final Four. I don't know how many percentage. Malaki, majority 'di ba? The UAAP probably wants them. A lot of people probably want them to go in," he said.

The Adamson-Ateneo second round faceoff was crucial as both teams are still trying to grab the last Final Four slot remaining.

Prior to the said game, both teams were at 5-6. With the loss, Adamson slipped to 5-7 behind Ateneo.

Adamson, however, still has two games remaining against NU tonight and on Sunday against UE.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News