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| Aldrech Ramos' MPBL debut was met with a little bit of controversy. PBA Images (file photo) |
PASIG--A tense moment took place in the Thursday night MPBL game between San Juan and Pasig at the latter's home, the Ynares Sports Arena.
Pasig's team officials protested the entry of Aldrech Ramos, who was making his MPBL debut with San Juan.
Ramos came off the bench with 2:04 left in the first quarter and San Juan already surging ahead, 20-9, but Pasig officials, led by team owner Buddy Encarnado, called on league officials to protest the former Terrafirma star.
According to one information that reached Dugout Philippines, Pasig claimed that Ramos has yet to renew his Games and Amusements Board professional athlete license after he left the PBA.
The six-foot-six stretch forward still got to play for the Dyip on June 8 in what might be their PBA farewell against the Blackwater Bossing.
Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who was present at the Ynares Sports Arena, admitted San Juan's fault and promised to pay a corresponding fine, paving the way for Ramos to be cleared to play.
Despite a second quarter threat from Pasig, San Juan restored order in the second half and walked away with a 77-64 win.
Dexter Maiquez led San Juan, which moved up to 14-1, with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, 11 rebounds, and one assist.
Mike Calisaan added 14 points on 7-of-11 field goals, five rebounds, and one steal, while Ramos had a quiet four points, four rebounds, and two assists.
Warlo Batac put up 21 points on 6-of-10 shooting, six rebounds, two assists, and one steal, while Chito Jaime added 17 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal for Pasig, which dropped to 7-7.
The other games saw Zamboanga nipping Bataan, 84-82, and Nueva Ecija dropping 7-man Cebu, 108-78, to go 16-0 in the regular season.
The Nueva Ecija-Cebu game, though, was also not without some drama as MPBL head of security Rudy Distrito had a heated moment with Bilyonario News Channel reporter Snow Badua and his crew while the game was ongoing.
Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes declined to comment on what transpired between his fellow PBA legend and the popular sports show host, who also contributes for Spin.PH.
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