MPBL launches probe on post-game melee following Abra-Pasay clash

Pasay successfully defended its home turf against Abra in a game that had a brutal aftermath. MPBL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The MPBL confirmed on Thursday night that it is now investigating a reported punching incident at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay right after the game between the home team and Abra.

The league did not divulge further about the identities of the people involved in the post-game skirmish, but it was reported that some bodyguards of one team's top official stormed into the referees' room after the final buzzer sounded and threw strikes at one umpire.

With Mac Tallo and Prince Caperal given a day off on Tuesday night, the previously undefeated Weavers fell prey to the hosts Voyagers, 78-72.

The MPBL vowed to quickly resolve the issue and slap appropriate penalties to the people involved.

"We are taking this incident very seriously, especially since it affects our game officials who are an integral part of the MPBL," Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said.

"The MPBL will not tolerate any kind of abuse or acts of violence against game officials or any member of our working staff. There is no justification to any intentional act that will harm or endanger our officials, staff, players, coaches, and/or fans."

The PBA legend then concluded by calling on everyone "to be at our best behavior at all times" during the MPBL games.

Meanwhile, in the Thursday doubleheader at the Caloocan Sports Complex, San Juan ripped Marikina, 101-73, behind a 22-point showing off the bench from AC Soberano, and John Rey Villanueva spoiled hot games from Mark Nonoy and CJ Cansino as he led Paranaque to a 72-66 victory against Iloilo.

Batang Kankaloo was supposed to host Tarlac in the nightcap, but the game was canceled after Tarlac pulled out due to financial reasons.

Box Scores:

First Game

SAN JUAN 101 - Soberano 22, Wamar 14, Malonzo 11, Maiquez 10, Huang 10, Miranda 6, Gamboa 6, Hugnatan 6, Galinato 4, Panganiban 4, Ubalde 4, Hernandez 3, Soriano 1, Ando 0, Tajonera 0.

MARIKINA 73 - De Liano 13, Tan 11, Escoto 10, Pili 9, Casajeros 9, Landayan 5, Mosqueda 4, Udjan 4, Igliane 2, Vitug 2, Zabale 2, Tolentino 2, Castellano 0, Demigaya 0.

Quarterscores: 25-24, 46-47, 76-61, 101-73

Second Game

PARANAQUE 72 - Villanueva 19, Pido 12, Razon 10, Sarao 9, Yee 8, Ubuda 7, Manalang 3, Castro 2, Martel 2, Abugan 0, Olegario 0, Elorde 0, Loyola 0, Rocero 0, Singh 0,

ILOILO 66 - Nonoy 21, Casino 21, Ongteco 9, Jeruta 5, Capacio 3, Diaz 3, Doliguez 2, Rangel 2, Larupay 0, Credo 0, Catapusan 0, De La Rosa 0, Gomez 0, Madrigal 0, Beltran 0.

Quarterscores: 16-12, 36-27, 52-50, 72-66

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