The De La Salle University Green Archers and the Mapua Institute of Technology Cardinals figured in a highly-physical tilt Thursday afternoon in Group B action of the 2016 FilOil Flying V Preseason Premier Cup.
With the game still a toss-up between the two squads, reigning NCAA Most Valuable Player Allwell Oraeme and returning La Salle guard figured in an in-game scuffle with 7:45 remaining in the game. La Salle was leading 63-61 at the point. In addition, Oraeme had just returned to the game after spraining his left ankle at the 9:10 mark of the third frame.
“I was kind of frustrated because of my injury, now I’ve been working so hard to get myself ready for the upcoming NCAA season but to get injury on my leg really ticked me off,” Oraeme shared. “So coming (back) into the game and they fouled me.”
Oraeme was on the receiving end of a triple team against Montalbo, Abu Tratter, and Jeron Teng during the sequence. After Oraeme was fouled by Teng, the Nigerian big man felt an extra motion that triggered the incident.
“I got mad because ‘what’s the point man?'” the 19 year old said. “I’m really no threat to anymore. I’m playing with one leg so why are you trying to hurt me?”
Oraeme then shoved the Bacolod-native that resulted to an on-court scuffle. Both players were ejected from the game after a deliberation by the officials.
“I think the ref misinterpreted it kasi nahawakan ko lang siya then nag-extra motion siya and natamaan na ako,” Montalbo said about the scuffle. “Dumugo yung gums ko. Tumingin ako sa kanya and sabi ko, ‘Why did you do that?’ Tapos dinisqualifying foul na ako ng referee.”
Montalbo then added that he did not do anything to be slapped with a disqualifying foul. “Wala naman akong ginawa eh, walang punch, walang sapak, walang elbow,” he added.
“I was like if that’s what they think, I’ll go with it. I’ll accept the consequences, but I didn’t do anything. I have no intention to hurt him. Hindi nga sa akin yung foul eh, kay Jeron yung foul. Ako yung natamaan. Sabi ko lang, ‘What?’ Bahala na.”
The third-year La Salle student-athlete then shared that he never backs down especially if it is about his team. “I never back down. We got each other’s back here. Alam ko na my team is going to be there for me pag nagkagulo but we’re going to use our heads,” the 18 year old added.
“Baka mali ko rin na nag-retaliate ako pero I didn’t do anything to him.”
On his end, Oraeme regretted what happened and is prepared for the sanction he is about to face. “I don’t really know what happened. I don’t know the guy. I just reacted to something. I had to react because I’m really frustrated because of the injury,” he said.
As the interview with Oraeme ended, Montalbo passed by and the two student-athletes shook hands.
If the sanctions push through, Oraeme will be suspended in Mapua’s game against Adamson while Montalbo will have to sit-out La Salle’s game against San Beda. Both games will be played on Saturday, May 21.
