A post-game handshake between longtime assistant coaches Arsenio Dysangco of University of Santo Tomas and Paul Du of National University turned physical on Friday, with Dysangco falling to the floor and requiring medical assistance following the Growling Tigresses’ 90-66 rout of the Lady Bulldogs in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament.
It was seen that Du extended his right elbow and struck Dysangco’s left shoulder as the two met during the customary handshake after the game. The impact sent Dysangco to the floor, forcing him to receive medical assistance before being helped into a wheelchair and brought back to the UST locker room.
The incident marred the latest chapter in the rivalry between the two perennial title contenders, who have split the last three UAAP women’s basketball championships between them.
Du was notably absent when both teams sang their respective school hymns after the game. On the other hand, Dysangco later left the UST locker room accompanied by two players before exiting the venue.
Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong declined to comment on the incident, saying she was unaware of what had transpired and that the available video footage could be reviewed.
UST assistant coach Jude Paulite, who represented Ong during the post-game press conference, acknowledged that tensions flared between the two teams after the final buzzer but declined to elaborate.
“I know there was extracurricular that happened after [the] game, [but] let’s not take away this game from the players of both teams,” said Paulite.
—Since publishing, the league has suspended NU assistant coach Pal Du from all basketball-related activities for the remainder of UAAP Season 89. NU may appeal the decision.
