Mangaldan cagefest’s ‘basketbrawl’

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

WE have seen a lot of brawls in basketball matches. Many say this is common now in basketball games particularly if big prizes are at stake in spite of slogan that says the tournament’s purpose is to foster sportsmanship, camaraderie and solidarity. Unfortunately, nobody seems to give it a thought nowadays. Often, competition creates enemies instead of amity, and in some cases, players and coaches run to the court of justice when someone gets hurt.

This was what we witnessed in my town Mangaldan last May 22 during the semifinal game of an inter-commercial basketball tournament between title contenders MSC (Mangaldan Sports Club) and barangay Maasin-based Degits squad held at Barangay Guilig open court. After some shoving and elbowing (intentional or unintentional) plus taunting by both teams during the match that the three officiating referees failed to control, some players became overly emotional and physical.

Tensions obviously was running high in the second quarter (with MSC leading by nine points, 29-20) when MSC’s Carlo Gian Samson deliberately threw a jab to the chest of Degits’ Carlo Aquino. That was enough to trigger a brawl.

The situation turned for the worst when MSC’s coach PJ Samson, brother of Carlo, joined the altercation on the court and crossed over to the to the Degits’ bench and began pointing an accusing finger at the bench. The timely intervention of the referees group headed by Danny Villanueva pacified the heated taunting from both sides.

As expected, player Carlo was thrown out of the game but his coach-brother was only penalized with technical foul, a decision that irked Barangay Maasin chair Rolly Abalos, himself a former feisty cager during his time. “The penalty was too lenient, he should have been ejected too or even suspended according to the rules,” fumed Abalos. “Obviously, the arbiters were so biased simply because he’s a municipal sports consultant and gives them a job in Mangaldan basketball leagues. I am sure that if we had started the scuffle, I believe we be served a more severe penalty,”. Abalos added. His sentiment was echoed by Mrs. Lito B. Soriano, the wife of the owner of the sponsoring company.

The referees’ decision prompted Degits to walk out. Abalos said he had to do it to avoid further trouble inside the court and to protest the officiating. The Degits team also boycotted its clash against Jazy Sportswear for third place and landed fourth overall, good for P5,000 for their effort. The GAP team eventually defeated MSC in the best-of-three championship series last May 26 to bag the P30,000 top prize with MSC receiving P20,000 and Jazy Sportswear collecting P10,000. The four teams also received glass trophy apiece.

With the exception of Sta. Barbara, Malasiqui, Lingayen, Alaminos City, Urdaneta City, Pozorrubio, Villasis, Bolinao and San Quintin, my town Mangaldan, including Dagupan City and San Carlos City never ever produced a national player or a PBA player despite the numerous tournaments they hold. I don’t know why.

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QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” MATTHEW 11: 28-30

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