Chua: PBA games more exciting under new rules

By Nelson Beltran
Philippine Star
Tuesday, October 16, 2007

It’s too early to pass judgment, but observers say the rule changes applied by the Philippine Basketball Association in the new season could really lead to more exciting games based on the numbers produced in the opening setto won by Magnolia over Air21.

The Beverage Masters whipped the Express, 121-112, in a game flowing freely with the referees allowing more physical action to the delight of the crowd.

“I’m happy with the observations of the fans on the game with our new rules in use. They like it. It’s too early in the day but I think it would serve the purpose of making the PBA game more exciting,” said PBA chairman Tony Chua.

“We understand coaches and players would have their complaints since all of us would go through adjustment period,” Chua added.

Several non-calls, including one where Air21 guard Wynne Arboleda appeared to have planted an elbow at the chest of defender LA Tenorio, and another where Ranidel de Ocampo was tackled by Magnolia’s Rico Villanueva on the way to the basket, drew protests from both benches.

Magnolia coach Siot Tanquingcen incurred a technical foul for berating the refs.

Tanquingcen said the new rules led to the kind of officiating that threw both teams slightly off course from what they were used to.

“It’s different but everybody’s playing under the same rules so we just have to adjust to the referees,” he said.

There were less unnecessary stoppages with the players given more leeway both on offense and defense.

The two teams, in fact, were called only 39 fouls, far less than the 52.4 average per game last season.

With the continuous fast-paced action, Magnolia and Air21 finished with a combined output of 233 points, the biggest scoring opening game in the league since Presto nipped Swift, 120-118, in 1992.