Fifteen days before the UAAP wars, heated arch-rivals De La Salle University Green Archers and Far Eastern University Tamaraws figured in a bench-clearing brawl in Davao City during the two squads’ Kidayawan Festival encounter.
The brawl happened with just 20 seconds remaining in the third frame.
1st Commotion !!!!??? pic.twitter.com/V3Stroc7WE
— Animo Davao (@animodavao) August 25, 2017
In a video posted by Twitter account Animo Davao, it showed that Kib Montalbo, who had been allegedly fouled by Kenneth Tuffin on the other end, did not take too kindly too it and retaliated by shoving Fil-Kiwi. Things escalated quickly afterwards.
Axel Iñigo, who was trying to pacify the situation, was accidentally taken down by Brent Paraiso which further agitated both squads. Ron Dennison, who was said to have been ejected from the game due to being slapped with his second unsportsmanlike foul, was seen back on the court throwing punches as well.
In another video by Twitter user bucc, Barkley Ebona was seen jawing with Ricci Rivero after the latter threw the ball at him.
for the second time.. pic.twitter.com/m4kFQNQEbQ
— bùcc (@arvielagura) August 25, 2017
The game was eventually called off, as event security and team officials were able to separate the two squads. The score was 73-59 in favor of FEU.
This is not the first time the two teams figured in an pre-season melee, as the Green Archers and the Tamaraws also figured in a physical tune-up last August 4, 2016.
The two teams are assigned to meet each other on Sunday, September 10, at 4:00pm.