A mauling incident marred the opening day of the NCAA Season 100 Seniors Basketball Tournament on Saturday.
According to multiple accounts from players and coaches, a referee, assigned uniform No.7, was allegedly assaulted and left bloodied after the game between Mapua University and College of Saint Benilde.
Witnesses — including players– reported seeing the injured official in the hallway of SM Mall of Asia Arena’s backstage area, where the incident occurred.
Sources closely monitoring the situation stated that the league’s medical team had to respond quickly and provide immediate assistance to the referee.
The game itself saw the Blazers defeat the Cardinals, 78-65, but the post-game events have since overshadowed the result.
A member of the NCAA management committee, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, confirmed that an investigation is underway.
“We are taking the matter seriously and will respond promptly due to its severity,” the official stated.
