La Salle crowned champion after controversial ending in Kirk Asis hoops

Sports

THIS year’s edition of one of the biggest basketball tournaments in Mindanao came to a controversial ending.

The De La Salle University Green Archers ruled the Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball Tournament in Bayugan City, but the coronation was not what many had anticipated as CM Farm was forfeited during their championship match on Monday night, June 29.

The title match ended unceremoniously when it was decided by forfeiture.

The match ended at the 5:29 mark of the second quarter with La Salle holding on to a 33-25 lead.

The ending came when CM Farm, powered by commercial players and ex-pro Rey Suerte, sued for a timeout. It turned out CM Farm requested for the replacement of the referees, alleging that calls were favoring the Green Marcelino.

One of the calls that CM protested was the technical foul slapped against its coach after Jaycee Marcelino scored on a layup that shoved them within 25-29 with 5:43 left.

Jacob Cortez hit the technical free throw then Luis Pablo converted a three-point play that gave the Green Archers an eight-point cushion.

CM Farm called for a timeout and the would not resume from that point on.

According to multiple reports, CM Farm’s request to replace the referees was not granted as it is prohibited under FIBA rules.

Also, organizers went on to forfeit CM Farm when it refused to resume playing after the 15-minute grace period.(CCM)