Aaron Fuller played through an eye injury. Jhonard Clarito suffered a bloody nose. Zavier Lucero sustained a bad cut above his eyebrows.

Magnolia and Rain or Shine are literally shedding sweat, blood and tears as the war of attrition in the quarterfinals reaches its pivotal point in Game 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Tip off of the contest is at 5 p.m with the clash between TNT and NLEX following suit in the nightcap at 7:30 p.m.

The Elasto Painters grinded out a 111-106 victory over the Hotshots in a wild and highly physical Game 3 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo to regain their footing in the series, 2-1, after suffering their worst loss in franchise history in Game 2.

While it was a contest highlighted by the physical play and clutch performances from Lucero, who drilled a booming four-pointer to send the game to overtime, and Clarito, who had a game-preserving steal, controversial calls and non-calls marred the game in the end.

And that was something that prompted both head coaches Yeng Guiao and Chito Victolero to demand better officiating for the crucial Game 4.

“Lahat ng involved sa laro must perform to their utmost best, players and referees included kasi baka ikaw yung makasira ng magandang laro eh. So we demand that from our referees that’s their duties trabaho nila yon sana magawa nila ng maayos, said Guiao who expects the officials to take more control of the game.

Victolero, likewise, demands more sharpness from the referees especially that he felt a crucial initial non-call on a goaltending violation on Lucero’s layup cost them the game.

With the Hotshots trailing 106-104, the referees failed to immediately assess a goaltending on Clarito’s block on Lucero, prompting Magnolia to foul and stop the clock. 

While a review confirmed the goaltending and awarded two points to the Hotshots, the foul cannot be anymore overturned, sending Gian Mamuyac to the foul line and get the lead back for ROS.

Victolero was livid on the sidelines and even entered the court while complaining to the referees – something that Guiao should have warranted a technical foul.

“Magulo talaga actually pero nasunod naman yung rules don kasi pag nag goal tend talaga at di natawagan ng refereee pwede i-review… pero since meron nang naganap na action may natawagan nang foul, that foul should still be in effect,” Guiao commented on the situation.

“Ang di natupad na rule yung pwede ka pakang mag wala ng magwala ng hindi ka tinitechnical kitang kita ng lahat yung ginagawa ni coach Chito, of course kaibigan naman natin si coach Chito, and ganun din ako kung minsan, kung ako gumawa nun siguro technical na ako,” he added.