Light fines for Abueva, Dillinger; Painters stake streak vs Bolts

This is not the exact moment in Friday’s game at Smart Araneta Coliseum when Calvin Abueva (left) of Alaska and Jared Dillinger of Meralco figured in the nasty encounter that required the league commissioner’s action. But from this rough play, it’s already apparent the two were up to something more sinister. August dela Cruz

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco and Alaska will have complete rosters when they seek the remaining playoff berths this week after key players from both sides escaped suspension and drew light fines for rough play in their PLDT MyDSL Philippine Cup game last week.

Jared Dillinger suits up for Meralco when the Bolts battle Rain or Shine at 5:45 p.m. Wednesday, seeking a win that would formalize their entry into the quarterfinals, while Alaska will have Calvin Abueva on the roster when the Aces close out its schedule against Barako Bull in a game of survival on Sunday.

Dillinger and Abueva figured in an ugly incident under the basket in a game won by the Bolts last week, and it looked so bad that the Meralco guard got out of it with a bloodied nose after seemingly trying to choke Abueva.

League commissioner Chito Salud handed out his decision Tuesday, upgrading the technical fouls called on both players for second motion into Flagrant Foul penalty 1 infractions while levying a P10,000 fine on each.

Gary David, the third man in the incident who had no reason to be there, was slapped a P5,000 fine for his fighting stance.

Abueva also drew an additional P3,000 fine for violating the flopping rule and aggravating the volatile situation.

According to the statement released by the league, Dillinger said he told Abueva repeatedly “to respect the game and respect me” after the Alaska forward had hit Dillinger in the face after rejecting his shot, which resulted in a bruised eye.

In retaliation, Dillinger grabbed Abueva’s jersey and took down last season’s top rookie.

Abueva then planted a forearm that left Dillinger with a broken, bloodied nose before he tied Abueva up against the railing in what appeared to be a chokehold.

Salud’s findings revealed that it wasn’t a choke, but Abueva said that it was hard enough that he felt it on his collarbone.

Meanwhile, Petron Blaze also sees action Wednesday at 8 p.m. also at the Big Dome, clashing with a San Mig Coffee side that is seeking to formalize its place in the next round.

Boasting five straight wins, the Elasto Painters try to extend that streak against dangerous Meralco and apply pressure on the Boosters when they face the Mixers next.

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