For DLSU head coach Topex Robinson, Chris Gavina’s sentiments in his fiery postgame presser were understandable following the Red Warriors’ overtime loss to the Green Archers.
Emotions ran high after the UE Red Warriors’ heartbreaking 111-110 overtime loss to La Salle — a game that left Coach Chris Gavina visibly frustrated as his words echoed through the postgame presser on Wednesday in UAAP Season 88 men's basketball.
Expletives were thrown as Gavina protested the call on Wello Lingolingo.
But in the middle of the heat, one coach chose empathy over judgment.
For DLSU’s Topex Robinson, Gavina’s emotions were understandable.
“As a coach myself, I'm one with Coach Chris [Gavina]. There are really some challenges this season regarding the officiating, and I understand where he's coming from,” Robinson told One Sports a day after the game.
The controversy stemmed from a crucial moment late in regulation when UE guard Wello Lingolingo was whistled for an unsportsmanlike foul after colliding with La Salle’s Kean Baclaan in a loose-ball scramble — a call that ultimately led to the former's ejection.
Lingolingo’s abrupt exit then led to a complete reversal of fortune for the Red Warriors, who were holding a 89-84 lead..
Despite forcing overtime, UE bowed down to the Jacob Cortez-led DLSU squad to remain winless at 0-6.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: La Salle survives Precious Momowei’s 42, completes comeback in OT vs UE]
After the game, a frustrated Gavina couldn’t hold back.
“Yes, we squandered a 21-point lead, but hold these refs accountable,” he said.
"I'm tired of it. It's not just me. It's not just me who's voicing this. I'm not the first coach who said it all week long," Gavina continued.
The league then handed Lingolingo a three-game suspension starting UE’s final first-round game against FEU on October 29.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: UE’s Wello Lingolingo slapped with 3-game suspension on foul vs DLSU’s Kean Baclaan]
Meanwhile, Robinson reflected on the emotions that come with coaching in high-pressure games.
“I know it’s coming out of frustration, whatever he said, and I’m not here to judge him. I could also do that — I might lose my top sometimes,” the former champion coach bared.
The 48-year-old mentor also praised the Red Warriors’ grit.
“Yes, his players really played their hearts out and went all out with so much confidence and pride to get their first win."
Still, the victory came at a cost for La Salle as Baclaan suffered an MCL injury, the same setback that has sidelined Mason Amos during the Green Archers’ loss to NU.
The former NU playmaker is expected to miss the rest of the season, dealing a major blow to La Salle’s redemption campaign.
[ALSO READ: La Salle’s Kean Baclaan bears no ill will vs UE’s Wello Lingolingo despite injury in UAAP]
As for UE, the pressure to secure a first win got even greater. Now they have to do it without Lingolingo.
(With reports from Bettina Dabu/One Sports Digital)
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.