Mapua University was involved in a bench-clearing brawl against China’s Ningbo University during the final day of the 13th Asian University Basketball Championship on Monday at the Technological University of the Philippines Gym.
The altercation occurred with 5:42 remaining in the third quarter, with the Cardinals holding a 64-57 lead over the visiting team.
The scuffle began after a missed shot by Cyril Gonzales, leading to a loose ball scramble between Andrei Igliane and Ningbo’s player No. 27.
Tensions escalated when the Chinese player kicked Joe Gulapa’s foot, prompting Gulapa to retaliate with a kick of his own.
This exchange quickly ignited an all-out brawl involving players from both benches.
As a result, the game was called off.
Mapua, the reigning NCAA champions, had been aiming to complete a tournament sweep in the five-day meet organized by the Federation of School Sports Association of the Philippines.
Prior to the incident, the Cardinals had notched wins over Philippine Normal University, De La Salle-Dasmariñas, Universitas Islam Indonesia, and host Technological University of the Philippines.
The tournament champion was to be determined by the top team in the final standings of this tournament, not sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.
Due to FISU’s recognition of FESSAP as the official university sports body in the Philippines, Mapua — not UAAP champion University of the Philippines — will represent the country in the 2025 FISU Summer World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany.
As of publishing time, organizers have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
