Gilas Pilipinas’ and Jordan’s second tune-up game on Wednesday night at the Meralco Gym in Pasig City had to be called off as emotions ran high.
Gilas was possibly on its way to a win, with a 82-73 lead with 6:26 remaining in the game. But head coach Yeng Guiao and his Jordanian counterparts got into a spat.
It started when a Jordanian player tossed the ball at Scottie Thompson.
Guiao and the opposing team’s coaches were already exchanging words as early as the second frame, moments after Christian Standhardinger apparently got laid down on the court.
“They were getting too rugged on us,” said Guiao. “Of course, it’s also the responsibility of the referees to take control of the game. And it’s also my responsibility to keep my players safe.”
And Jordan head coach Joseph Steibing also attempted to infuriate Guiao in the skirmish.
“The coach said he was going to take my ass. So I was challenging him to take my ass,” Guiao said. “I just didn’t wanna be bullied in our own country. They were bullying us all the way.
“Andito tayo tapos tayo pa yung binubully, hindi naman dapat yon.”
The cancellation wasted Gilas’ efforts in the game. From a 17-point deficit, the Filipino dribblers made a huge 31-4 scoring blitz for a 69-59 lead with 2:32 left in the third quarter.
It was also a rude welcome for Stanley Pringle and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel players LA Tenorio, Greg Slaughter, Japeth Aguilar, and Scottie Thompson.
Gilas next play Lebanon in a two-game series starting on Friday, November 21, still at the Meralco Gym.
