During the University of the East Red Warriors’ tilt against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on Saturday afternoon, there were three rotation players who were conspicuously absent for UE: Bonbon Batiller, Edgar Charcos, and Clark Derige.
The Red Warriors absorbed their eighth loss of the season that saw floor general Philip Manalang play 31 minutes.
According to Batiller himself, he had figured in a light scuffle with rookie Omar Larupay during their last practice.
“Parang may nakaaway ako na teammate ko sa last practices namin, si Larupay,” said Batiller, who is averaging 19.5 minutes and 11.3 points per game. “Pero wala lang yun, hindi naman nagkasuntukan.”
Fortunately, their mentor Derrick Pumaren had been there to break up the scuffle before it got heated.
“Nakita ni Manong pero okay naman na,” the 22-year-old guard said. “Nagkapikunan lang. Biruan lang.”
And it might have figured in his DNP status on Saturday afternoon.
“Expected ko na ipapasok ako pero coach’s decision,” the General Santos City native shared. “Nirerespeto ko naman po [ang desisyon niya].”
“Okay lang naman. Nagsimula naman po tayo sa ganyan.”
Coach Pumaren was mum about the matter only saying, “coach’s decision.”
