For the first time, the SM Mall of Asia Arena security personnel had to put up a pair of guardrails inside the dugout as a measure to prevent both the TNT Katropa and the San Miguel Beermen from extending their wars off the court.
Players from TNT and San Miguel figured in scuffles twice.
The first one occurred late in the first half between Terrence Romeo and Marcio Lassiter.
The second one though was worse.
With 7:36 left in the fourth quarter, both of the teams’ coaches almost met in the middle of the court following the skirmish between Arwind Santos and Tony Semerad.
San Miguel won, 99-94, thanks to Renaldo Balkman’s 43 points.
The installation of guardrails is very reminiscent of what the SMART Araneta Coliseum had done last season. Araneta Coliseum officials switched common guardrails to wall-like partitions to prevent any more confrontations.
SMC officials did so following the altercation between TNT head coach Nash Racela — coincidentally — and SMC sports director Alfrancis Chua during the 2017 Philippins Cup semifinals, where the Katropa took on the Beermen.
“First time namin maglagay ng guardrail dito,” said one of MOA Arena’s event security personnel.
“Mahirap na rin eh, magkatinginan lang, mainit na yan.”
The players involved and got kicked out in the heated contest — Semerad, Santos, and guards Terrence Romeo and Marcio Lassiter — immediately left the venue.
