Maverick Ahanmisi expressed his disgust over Kelly Nabong’s shove to his back in one of the many extra-curricular activities that had occured in the fourth quarter of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters–GlobalPort Batang Pier match on Sunday night.
The six-foot-two guard had been pushed hard by the hefty Nabong during a situation with 3:20 left to play, where Ahanmisi got himself involved in the battle for the loose ball between Sean Anthony and Beau Belga.
Ahanmisi was clearly irked with the 6-foot-6 bruiser, and even went after him, apparently to get back. The referees were able to control the situation, and after a few assessments, both players were ejected from the game.
The Elasto Painters still won, 96-90.
“Kelly’s not even in the play and I just got shoved in the back. Who’s not gonna get mad at that situation?” exhaled the 26-year old after the match — which he left with 13 points and six rebounds — at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
But more than his disgust towards Nabong was his disappointment with the fact that he got booted out of the game.
“Very surprised,” said the three-year pro. “I mean, you can give me a technical for second motion, but if you’re giving me a thrown out for fighting, and I had nothing to do with the situation, you know, Kelly pushed me in the back.
“I had no problem with him until that moment. I don’t know why they threw me out.”
He may have had a bad Sunday night, but having the win is enough for Ahanmisi, as the victory only solidified the Elasto Painters’ hold of the top spot of the team standings. Rain or Shine, after the win, improved to 5-1.
“It’s definitely good. It shows our character,” said the Fil-Nigerian combo guard.
“For us to be on top, I’m happy we got the win.”
