Oro fans divided on free-for-all

CAGAYAN de Oro’s basketball community had mixed reactions when the Gilas Pilipinas-Australia match apparently resulted to a rumble, thus spoiling in just the first round action of the 2019 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on Monday night at the Philippine Arena.

Local hoop fans saw it live on television when punches from both sides showered inside the arena.

Terrence Romeo, Jayson Castro, Calvin Abueva, Andray Blatche, Roger Pogoy, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Carl Bryan Cruz and Matthew Wright were thrown out of the game after participating in the brawl, leaving Basher Amer, June Mar Fajardo and Gabe Norwood on the floor.

Christopher Goulding, Nathan Sobey, Daniel Kickert and Thon Maker were also sent out from the floor for the Australian team.

The heat sparked in the last four minutes of play in the third quarter when Pogoy banged Goulding to the ground.

Suddenly, Kickert retaliated with his left arm swing that resulted into a free-for-all.

“It was bad, ugly and sad for Philippine and FIBA basketball,” said Claveria town coach Andy Calingin.

Ex-University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors guard Nikku Benson Valles was quoted in his Facebook post, “violence wherever is unacceptable. These men have emotions and in an intense emotional game, anything can happen.”

“If a brother or a teammate of mine is socked, then it's on,” he added.

Xavier University High School head coach Manny Diaz had his sympathy to the national team.

“Not a bad sight, but they're a boorish bunch, showing disrespect to their host. They had it coming!”

Despite the commotion, both Australia and Gilas already made it to the second round after a 1-2 finish in the qualifying matches.

Australia topped the first round with 5-1 win-loss card, while Gilas had it at 4-2.

The Australians had a commanding 31-point lead when it happened with four minutes left in the third quarter.

“Hinuon nalingaw ang manan-away sa sinumbagay, apan pangit tan-awon,” said one spectator Wilfredo Daamo Jr.

Some fans also took part in the commotion as they threw plastic bottles at the Australian team.

Trending

No stories found.

Just in

No stories found.

Branded Content

No stories found.
SunStar Publishing Inc.
www.sunstar.com.ph