The 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup match between College of Saint Benilde and Adamson University was just a war of attrition.
Three players got bloodied up after two freak accidents and many more bodies laid on the floor during the 40-minute affair.
The first incident happened with 7:02 left in the second quarter.
As Adamson rookie Ray Allen Torres tried to break the press of Benilde’s Ray Carlos, his head accidentally clashed with Carlos’. It resulted to gashes on Torres and Carlos.
#Filoil2022 Sights from the physical game between Adamson and St. Benilde earlier pic.twitter.com/SxpRHc7RJl
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 23, 2022
Then with just a minute remaining in the half, Miguel Oczon, who is making his Preseason Cup debut with the Blazers, figured in a crash.
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) July 23, 2022
As Oczon attempted a corner triple, Joshua Barcelona tried to challenge the shot. However, he could not control himself midair, crashing into Oczon who fell face first on the floor.
Oczon chipped his tooth, had a bloody nose, and gashes on his forehead.
Oczon and Carlos did not return to the game.
To close out the game and with Adamson ahead, Ivan Maata went directly into a Miggy Corteza screen that hit the latter in the place where the sun doesn’t shine.
And despite this game being just a preseason tilt, Racela said that it’s a warning that the games will be chippy.
“We did not expect that kind of physicality, but for sure it will help us in our preparation,” remarked coach Nash Racela after Adamson’s 80-75 win.
“Maganda rin kasi right away, the league is sending a signal na kung di kayo handa, mabubugbog kayo.”
“As a team, we need to be tougher. I didn’t feel there was anything overboard. That’s how basketball is played, you have to be tough to survive,” added Tiu.
“I respect coach Nash and his staff and don’t think there was any intent on their part. I am sure they don’t condone those on their team.”
Tiu, meanwhile, gave an update on his wards.
“Just unfortunate that two of our players are in the hospital and are still awaiting the results of their x-rays,” said Tiu.
“Prince should be alright apart from the deep cuts. But for Oczon it’s a bit scarier – he lost some teeth, got some cuts on his nose and forehead. Hope there is no fracture.”
—
The entire 2022 Filoil Ecooil Preseason Cup will stream LIVE on Smart Sports Facebook page
