Despite the San Miguel Beermen tying the series against TNT Katropa in Game Two of their 2017 Commissioner’s Cup Finals series at the Big Dome, Arwind Santos was fuming.
The one-time MVP had had an altercation with Katropa rookie Roger Pogoy, a tussle that took place in the 8:36 mark of the game’s third canto due to an apparent low blow from the neophyte on the 11-year veteran.
“Muntik pumutok yung balls ko,” quipped the 36-year-old as he recalled that scenario. “Imbes na maramdaman ng balls ko yung pain, umakyat sa ulo ko. Galit na galit na galit na galit talaga ako. Bakit niya ginawa sa’kin yun?
“FEU pa naman siya. Yun lang yung kinakasama ng loob ko kanina.”
The collision between the two Tamaraws then led to the Cebuano cager being kicked out of the court, as he incurred a flagrant foul penalty two. Santos, on the other hand, was charged with a technical foul for second motion.
“Kung gusto niya ng ganun, ‘di bale sa mukha niya ako suntukin, kesa sa ano, kaligayahan natin yun e,” Santos quipped once more. “Kung di ako magkaanak kasalanan pa niya. Mabuti nalang meron na akong anak.
“Paano kung gusto pa ng asawa ko?” Santos added with a chuckle.
This marks the second time that Santos has locked horns with a rookie. It can be remembered that the five-time champion had engaged in a verbal war with Ginebra’s Kevin Ferrer, during the 2017 Philippine Cup, which SMB eventually won.
Santos is aware of these instances, but has no plans of backing down to exchanges of shenanigans whenever they arise.
“Asaran? Para sa amin, Kapampangan, si Calvin [Abueva] ang pinakamapangasar. Kung gusto nila ng ganun, okay lang. Sasabayan namin siya,” said Santos.
“‘Wag niya ako subukan, kilala niya ako. ‘Di ko siya aatrasan.”
Still, Santos — who finished with 16 markers on four triples in Game Two and is now averaging 13.5 points and 6.5 rebounds in two games — was just relieved to finally get one against TNT.
“Okay naman. Masaya dahil nanalo kami.”
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