Strong Group Athletics-Pilipinas guard Rhon Jhay Abarrientos did not mince words in criticizing the officiating during their title-clinching 83-79 overtime win against the Chinese Taipei-A in the 43rd William Jones Cup on Sunday night.

Responding to a comment by NorthPort Batang Pier guard Fran Yu on his “CASH OUT!!! 💸” post on Sunday night, where Yu said, “Grats ho sunog na sunog kayo dyan sa cooking ng mga ref 🤝🏽,” the incoming Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings guard criticized the referees for allegedly favoring the home team.

“Grabe yung ref dito ang sasarap mag luto hahahahaha,” Abarrientos wrote.

A netizen named Abraham Ang commented on the same post about the subpar performance of SGA-Pilipinas import Chris McCullough, stating, “Idol c Naturalized Player 🇹🇼 CMac ibang iba ang laro 😅.”

In response, Abarrientos said, “Di ko alam kung may lagay yung isa putcha bigat! Hahahaha.”

McCullough had averaged 22.43 points per game in his previous seven matches for SGA-Pilipinas in the tournament before being held to 12 points against Chinese Taipei-A on Sunday night.

Abarrientos followed up with another post, suggesting that next year’s Jones Cup should be held in Tondo, Manila, for fair officiating.

“Next Jones Cup kami naman mag host sa Tondo venue natin! 🥰,” Abarrientos wrote.

Members of the SGA-Pilipinas squad did not hide their frustration with the game officials throughout the match, especially after McCullough and fellow import Tajuan Agee fouled out.

Despite the supposed homecourt disadvantage, SGA-Pilipinas emerged as champions, finishing the tournament with a perfect 8-0 win-loss record.

The William Jones Cup is an international basketball tournament organized by the Chinese Taipei Basketball Association. It has been held annually in Taiwan since 1977.