The UAAP Season 80 game between La Salle and Far Eastern U on Sept. 10 could just be the most anticipated game of the tournament yet.
The two teams figured in an ugly free-for-all in an invitational tournament in Davao City late Friday night.
Eyewitnesses said the match had been heated for the most part, before two brawls ensued—the second of which forced organizers to call off the game.
The first commotion ensued in the third quarter with FEU leading, 73-59. FEU’s Ken Tuffin bumped La Salle guard Kib Montalbo, who retaliated with a head butt.
Ron Dennison, who was earlier ejected for two unsportsmanlike fouls, then came out of nowhere to hit Montalbo, who had his back turned to the FEU player, sending the La Salle guard sprawling to the floor.
The second incident that led to the game forfeiture came just after play resumed.
A video uploaded on Twitter by FEU athletic director Mark Molina saw La Salle forward Prince Rivero giving a back pick on FEU player Ken Ebonia, who fell on the floor upon contact.
La Salle center Abu Tratter jumped in front of the fallen Ebonia while teammate Ricci Rivero slammed the ball at the FEU player, before following it up with a punt kick as another free-for-all ensued.
“The second commotion which happened on the very next play after the first commotion is plain and simple, a planned and premeditated attack,” said the FEU official on his Twitter account.
La Salle coach Aldin Ayo was seen in videos trying to pacify the players. But Ryan Betia, an assistant of new coach Olsen Racela at FEU, claimed that the Archers mentor choked FEU player Arvin Tolentino trying to act as a pacifier.
UAAP basketball commissioner Rebo Saguisag said he will look into the incident, which marked the second time in as many years that the two teams have figured in a preseason scuffle.
“It happened outside the UAAP so we can’t really act on it in relation to the tournament,” said Saguisag. “But they still represent their schools and the league so it may be up to the UAAP Board to discuss.”