The ending of the game betwen Gilas Pilipinas and Cambodia got heated.
"That's just an unwritten rule."
Gilas Pilipinas coach Chot Reyes didn't mince words, and assistant coach Tim Cone—who has always been vocal about honor in basketball—was upset at the way the basketball match between the Philippines and Cambodia ended in the continuation of the men's basketball tournament of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games.
The game had already been decided, 79-68, with 20.7 seconds left when coach Harry Savaya called a timeout for Cambodia.
The Philippine contingent was up in arms and went up to Savaya to protest.
"That's not even coaching ethics, that's just ethics," Reyes told reporters after the game. Quotient wasn't even a factor in the group stage with four countries.
Tension had already been brewing before the game, with questions being raised over the number of naturalized players comprising the Cambodian squad, the substandard practice facilities, and the terrible playing conditions at Elephant Hall 2.
During the game, there were plenty of struggles with the humidity, with Chris Newsome slipping after a basket.
"There are little slips you are not seeing. 'Yung mga push-off," Reyes noted.
Notably, Savaya himself made the "night-night" gesture against Gilas.
"If the other coach wants to make a fool of himself, that's on him. That's not our problem," Reyes said.
"His actions will speak a lot more than anything that I can say. These actions will say a lot more about his character more than I can ever say," Reyes added.
But the game is done. It was the one game Gilas could afford to lose. If the nationals can take care of business from this point forward, they can arrange a rematch with their preliminary stage conquerors.
For now, the first order of business for Reyes and the Philippines will be to get a W against Singapore on Saturday.
(With reports from Carlo Pamintuan, One Sports Digital)
(MDB)