Things got a bit chippy between Phoenix Super LPG and Blackwater late in the first quarter of their 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup tussle, Saturday.
It took place with 2:37 remaining in the said period. Play was stopped following a referee’s whistle when Bossing rookie Josh Torralba tried to go through the screen of Fuel Masters forward Jason Perkins to stay close to Matthew Wright.
A commotion then took place, with Wright and opposing head coach Nash Racela apparently exchanging words when the former sent the ball outside only to have it thrown back his way by the usually mild-mannered mentor.
And during that scene, Carl Cruz approached Perkins, and the former Gilas stalwart was suddenly on the floor following the latter’s subtle shove.
Their respective teammates then went on the court to help ease the situation and ultimately, and fortunately, cooler heads prevailed.
Officials, still, handed out sanctions. Torralba was called for a defensive foul that put his side in penalty situation, while Cruz and Perkins were both slapped with technical fouls each, both for second motion.
Phoenix is leading as of press time, looking to keep their winning ways against a Blackwater team that’s aching to get its first win in the tilt.
