Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
The storied rivalry between San Beda and Letran took another turn on Friday as tempers flared during the two fierce rivals’ second encounter in the NCAA Season 92.
Emotions intensified midway in the third quarter after Knights guard McJour Luib was attested with a flagrant one after bumping Red Lions center Jun Bonsubre on a dead-ball situation.
“Nagulat ako na binangga nya ako eh,” said Bonsubre. “Parang nangaasar sila, pisikal na ang laro. Kapwa naman kami Bisaya, nagkainitan. Di ko naman inaasahan yun kasi teammate ko siya sa Cagayan de Oro.”
San Beda was in full control for the whole game, and when the game was already decided with the Red Lions up by double-digits in the waning seconds, a scuffle broke out.
With just 7.0 seconds left in the game, things got heated anew as Letran’s Bong Quinto drove to the rack and elbowed San Beda’s Jomari Presbitero. Knights’ Jerick Balanza threw another elbow towards Presbitero, as both benches cleared to pacify situation.
As the game ended, Luib and Bonsubre weren’t done as both exchanged words again.
“Nagulat na lang ako na may sumasakal sa akin,” said Luib. “Sinabihan ko sya, ‘Bakit mo ako sinasakal?’ Hindi lang ako makalapit kasi mahaba yung kamay nya. Sabi ko sa kanya, ‘Ba’t mo ko sinasakal?’ Umaawat lang daw sya, pero hindi naman yun yung tamang pag-awat. Dine-defend ko lang sarili ko.”
Bonsubre admitted on having committed the deed, but he explained that the incident was inadvertent.
“Kanina, akala ko ok na after the game. Ako na ang nag-sorry para ok na pero galit pa rin pala sya,” he said. “Nag-message na ako kay Mcjour sa Facebook. Nag-sorry ako at sabi ko, di ko sinasadya.”
Bonsubre continued to apologize to Luib when he caught his fellow Mindanaoan at the players’ exit of the Filoil Flying V Centre as they were waiting for their respective buses, but it seems like tensions were still high as the former had some choice words as the latter exited the venue.