NCAA suspends 17 players involved in Mapua-EAC brawl; refs not spared
MAPUA’S Mark Braña (No. 5) commits a foul while trying to stop Elyzer Paguia of Emilio Aguinaldo. EDWIN BELLOSILLO
MANILA, Philippines — The NCAA on Tuesday has suspended 17 players involved in the bench-clearing brawl during a basketball game between Mapua and Emilio Aguinaldo College.
Management Committee chair Paul Supan of host Jose Rizal University slapped a five-game suspension on Generals guard John Tayongtong, who was caught punching counterpart CJ Isit in the face that triggered the free-for-all.
Cardinals’ Leo Gabo, who went after Tayongtong in defense of Isit following a non-call on a shove just seconds before the melee ensued, was banned for four games.
“The ManCom condemns in the highest level the unfortunate incident that occurred in the Mapua-EAC game,” Supan said in a statement.
“Hooliganism has no place in an established league like the NCAA. Proper sanctions based on league rules will be imposed accordingly,” the statement read.
Cardinals’ Jomari Tubiano and Generals’ Jan Jamon, Ariel Aguilar and Jack Arquero were given three-game suspensions.
Mapua’s Justin Serrano, James Galoso, Exequiel Biteng and Andrew Estrella and EAC’s John Santos, Manelle Quilanita and Edsel Saludo are suspended for two games.
Out for one game are Generals’ Faustine Pascual and Mapua’s Jerome Canaynay, Ronnel Villasenor and Darrel Magsigay.
The referees overseeing the game namely Molly de Luna, Menard Ballecer and Cholo Caoile were also punished as they failed to contain the situation.
“The referees [lost] control of the game,” said Mapua head coach Atoy Co
The three will be fined and are “suspended indefinitely,” as per league commissioner Bai Cristobal, who ironically stood by the officiating Monday just moments after the ugly altercation.
The suspensions, effective right away, leave both teams with only four players each at least for next game.
Mapua’s Jessie Saitanan, CJ Isit, Joseph Eriobu and Jeson Cantos and Emilio Aguinaldo College’s Jerald Serrano, Christ Mejos, Ai Indin and Jozhua General wisely didn’t take part in the incident.
The Cardinals (4-11) still have three games left and the Generals (4-12) have two more games to play in their schedule.
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