A dark moment unfolded in the history of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League on Monday at the Batangas City Coliseum.
During the game between Mindoro and General Santos, Warriors big man Michole Sorela punched Tamaraws’ Jonas Tibayan.
The incident occurred with 7:33 remaining in the third quarter, with Mindoro leading 41-39.
During a possession, Sorela suddenly delivered a punch that landed squarely on Tibayan’s jaw.
Sorela was immediately ejected from the game.
Tibayan remained on the floor for about five minutes and was seen bleeding from the mouth on the broadcast.
According to MPBL courtside reporter Lyra Punsalan, Tibayan suffered a concussion, a broken jaw, and a busted lip from the punch.
He was stretchered out of the venue and rushed to the nearest medical facility, accompanied by Pola Mayor Ina Alegre.
Mindoro went on to win the game 76-72, improving their record to 13-10 in the South Division, while General Santos fell to 13-9.
Bambam Gamalinda led Mindoro with 21 points and seven rebounds, while Ino Comboy and Joseph Sedurifa added 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Kyle Tolentino led General Santos with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
