The PBA has fined Christian Standhardinger and Calvin Abueva following the highly-physical encounter between the San Miguel Beermen and Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in Game Two of their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series last Monday night.
The 6-foot-8 Standhardinger has been fined PHP 20,000 for kicking Abueva approaching the midway mark of the second quarter of SMB’s 92-82 win, which resulted in a flagrant foul penalty two that led to an automatic ejection.
Abueva, on the other hand, will have to pay PHP 15,000 for flashing the dirty finger multiple times, including his sixth and last foul with 1:10 left to play and headed straight into the Fuel Masters’ dugout.
Phoenix center Doug Kramer was also fined PHP 5,000 for his elbow on San Miguel main man June Mar Fajardo.
The reigning five-time league Most Valuable Player Fajardo had already complained about the series’ physicality, as he is Phoenix’s main target on defense. Still, he said that he’s trying his best to keep his emotions in check.
Meanwhile, Fuel Masters head coach Louie Alas protected his wards from accusations of them playing dirty.
Game Three of the best-of-seven series will be on Easter Sunday, April 21, at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
