STRONG GROUP ATHLETICS HINDI LALARO SA BRONZE MATCH DAHIL SA NANGYARING LUTUAN?

Sa isang serye ng nakakagulat na mga pangyayari sa 2025 Dubai International Basketball Championship, inihayag ng Strong Group Athletics (SGA) ang kanilang pag-atras mula sa bronze medal match pagkatapos ng kanilang 68-63 na pagkatalo sa semifinal laban sa Tunisia noong Sabado (Linggo, Pebrero 2, oras ng Maynila).

Sa inilabas na statement, sinabi ng rising sports franchise na dismayado sila sa umano’y hindi patas na pagtawag ng mga referee, partikular na noong huling sandali, na pabor sa Tunisian national team, na nagpatuloy sa knockout final laban sa Beirut First Club ng Lebanon.

“We at Strong Group Athletics have officially decided not to participate in the third-place game of the 34th Dubai Basketball International Championship, as we call for equality and fairness in officiating and for the game to be treated with the proper respect,” ayon sa statement.

“Our decision comes after our semifinal matchup against Tunisia on Saturday evening, where we encountered officiating inconsistencies that significantly impacted the outcome of the contest. Throughout the game, multiple non-calls were made against us, with crucial decisions favoring Tunisia.”

Tinukoy ng SGA ang kanilang huling laro sa huling pitong segundo ng regulasyon habang naghahabol, 66-63, nang tila nabangga ng sentro na si Mokhtar Ghyaza si Gilas Pilipinas high-flyer Rhenz Abando mula sa likuran para isang three-point attempt para maitabla ang score pero hindi ito tinawagan ng foul.

“As competitors, we respect the game and its governing principles. However, fairness and accountability are fundamental in maintaining the integrity of international basketball,” pagpapatuloy ng statement ng SGA.

“Our decision not to play in the third-place match is not just about one game—it is about advocating for officiating that upholds the spirit of sportsmanship and ensures that all teams are given a fair chance to compete.”

Kung talagang itutuloy ng SGA ang kanilang pag-atras, ang pambansang koponan ng UAE ay makakatanggap ng bronze medal sa 2025 Dubai tournament sa pamamagitan ng default matapos ang kanilang sariling knockout semifinal loss laban sa Beirut, 94-71.

“We extend our gratitude to our supporters and assure our fans that despite this unfortunate outcome, we remain committed to representing the Philippines with pride on the global stage,” ayon pa sa statement. (RON TOLENTINO)