A NEAR free-for-all spoiled the elimination round face-off between the UST Tigers and the De La Salle University (La Salle) Green Archers in the 12th Fr. Martin’s Cup Nike Summer League last May 12.
The incident broke out when La Salle center Brian Ilad threw a punch at Tiger forward Jhervy Cruz’ right cheek in a battle for the rebound with 1:42 left in the third quarter and the Archers on top, 49-29.
Both squads immediately rushed underneath the Tigers’ basket, running to the aid of their teammates, prompting the referees to stop the game for almost five minutes.
All players from both teams who unofficially entered the court during the scuffle were ejected.
“A little commotion is part of the game, but the problem is that La Salle’s Ilad punched Jhervy (Cruz) who was merely boxing him out,” Tigers coach Pido Jarencio said of Ilad, who was slapped with his second suspension in the tournament after brawling with a Lyceum cager last May 2.
It was not the first time that the former RP Youth Burlington teammates met in a highly physical contest. During the UST-La Salle game in the Home and Away Invitational League last February, Cruz accidentally elbowed Ilad’s nose. The 6-foot-5 swingman suffered a dislocated nose bridge, and has to wear a protective mask since then.
Tigers Anthony Espiritu and Mel Gile were also ejected from the game after committing two unsportsmanlike fouls each in the final quarter. With only four players left in its lineup, the hapless Tigers succumbed to the Archers, 38-68.
La Salle coach Jack Santiago was displeased with the game’s outcome.
“I am frustrated at how we won the game because I never tolerated violence on and off the court,” Santiago said.
The 6-foot-4 Cruz, Espiritu, and Gile were suspended in the Tigers’ ensuing game against Ateneo de Naga University. Anthony Andrew G. Divinagracia
