The altercation got pretty loud.
The mood on their way to the dugout was supposed to be celebratory for the NLEX Road Warriors. Instead, tension filled the air.
NLEX took down the NorthPort Batang Pier, 112-104, on Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. The Road Warriors looked especially impressive in claiming their second victory, knowing that two of their top floor generals were out.
Sans Kevin Alas, who suffered a third ACL injury, and Matt Nieto who was struck by COVID-19, NLEX import Thomas Robinson went off with 30 points and 18 rebounds. His teammates Don Trollano and Kris Rosales were humming as well, firing 29 and 15 markers, respectively. In place of their sidelined guards, Rosales also chipped in five rebounds, nine assists, and four steals.
But there just had to be drama. In the third quarter, Robinson’s physical play against JM Calma resulted in a verbal joust between the former NBA player and NorthPort governor Erick Arejola.
After the game, the heat hadn’t died down, as Batang Pier team manager Pido Jarencio and Robinson started barking at each other as they headed into the lockers.
During the postgame press conference, NLEX coach Frankie Lim spoke about the confrontation.
“Naabutan ko nagmumurahan na sila. Siyempre tinatakot nila si Robinson, eh hindi naman magpapatakot ‘yung isa. So, it ended up with bad words thrown at each other,” said Lim.
Thankfully, the four-time NCAA champion tactician was cool-headed enough to diffuse the situation.
“Sabi ko nga (kay Jarencio), pagpasensiyahan mo na, ganun talaga. I also talked to Robinson kasi nakakahiya rin sa governor nila (NorthPort). I just tried to talk to him after,” Lim disclosed.
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Both teams are now in the middle of the standings, along with the Terrafirma Dyip who also have a 2-2 record.
NLEX must refocus quickly because controlled aggression will be key when it takes on the undefeated Magnolia Hotshots on December 1.
(PM)