PBA to summon Balti, Converge assistant coach for gesture in KO game vs Ginebra

Balti Baltazar is set to be fined for his gesture during Converge's knockout game against Ginebra. PBA Images (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA is expected to sanction Converge's Balti Baltazar and assistant coach Pedic Dimatulac after they were caught doing the "luto" gesture during their quarterfinal loss to Ginebra on Dec. 28.

Commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed that he is set to meet Dimatulac, also the head coach of MPBL's Pampanga Giant Lanterns, on Wednesday to explain his side of the story.

Marcial is also expected to summon Baltazar sometime this week.

The summoning will determine the severity of the sanctions to be imposed on both Baltazar and Dimatulac, although fines are likely to be the only penalties levied.

Eagle-eyed fans caught Baltazar and Dimatulac "stirring the pot" on camera in videos that went viral on social media over the transition of the year.

Famously known for being James Harden's signature goal celebration in the NBA, the said gesture became synonymous with accusations of spotty officiating in the Philippine basketball context, making it a no-no in the eyes of top league officials.

Baltazar and Dimatulac were visibly upset about how the referees assessed the physicality of the knockout game, as the FiberXers were slapped with 32 fouls compared to the Gin Kings' 25.

Ginebra failed to capitalize on the Converge fouls at first as the former went 10-of-21 on free throws to start the game.

However, the Gin Kings buried 11 straight free throws that kept them in the game, none more important than the three charities from Jeremiah Gray off Alec Stockton's foul that eventually forced overtime.

Ginebra fought back from six points down with 100 seconds left and stole the win from Converge on a buzzer-beating triple from Stephen Holt.

The Gin Kings currently hold a 1-0 lead in the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals against the San Miguel Beermen with Game 2 slated on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.