Arwind Santos and Terrence Jones had a bit of a run-in during Game Four of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and the TNT KaTropa, Sunday night.
Moments after a foul from Santos at the 6:47-mark of the third quarter, Jones approached and screamed “What!” at the veteran 6-foot-4 forward. He then headed to the free-throw line.
Santos appeared to say something, but the former NBA cager did not reply, instead opting to turn away and flash a smirk. The two were then assessed with technical fouls for taunting.
The league’s 2013 Most Valuable Player admitted he had actually wanted to retaliate – even if Jones is five inches taller than him – but he knew that he might be thrown out of the game.
“Muntik ko nga siya masiko kanina, ‘di ba?” Santos said, referring to when he swung his arm as he tried to protect the ball after grabbing Jones’ missed freebie.
“Akala ko nga tatamaan ko. Kasi kung tinamaan ko siya, out of the playing court na ako kasi may technical na ako. Mabuti na lang nadaplisan lang,” he added.
“Gusto ko rin sigawan sana ng ‘WHAT’ eh, pero baka ma-technical pa ako ulit.”
Still, Santos got the last laugh over the newly-minted Best Import as the Beermen won, 106-101, which tied the best-of-seven series at 2-2. He then downplayed the incident.
“Part lang ng game yun eh,” said Santos, who finished with six rebounds, two points, an assist, and a steal.
“Pina-amoy lang niya yung hininga niya sa akin. Amoy Amerikano, amoy burger. Sanay na ako doon. Ganoon talaga kapag minsan nagkakainitan,” he added, drawing laughter from reporters.
“Gulatan lang naman kung sino ang masisindak.”
