Ginebra's Scottie Thompson in action against Magnolia. PBA Images.
MANILA -- The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) on Monday suspended the game officials who oversaw the match between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia, wherein there was a controversial non-call that led to the Hotshots' victory.
The league admitted that the referees failed to cite a foul against Mark Barroca who came in contact with Scottie Thompson while the Ginebra guard was attempting a shot in the final six seconds of the game.
Ginebra trailed Magnolia, 92-91, at that point.
"Unacceptable. There was contact. We failed to make a call," said PBA Deputy Commissioner Eric Castro in a statement.
"During the game - in real time while the play was on, the game crew did not see a foul. The officials failed to call a foul (missed call) on Barroca against Thompson in the last 11.5 seconds of the 4th quarter."
A foul could have sent Thompson to the free throw line, giving Ginebra a chance to salvage a win.
"With this, the officiating crew of the game between Barangay Ginebra and Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots are suspended for failing to assess the infraction," said Castro.
Magnolia improved to 4-0 with the result, while Ginebra fell to 1-1 in the Commissioner's Cup.