Coming into Game One of the best-of-three UAAP Season 80 Men’s Basketball Finals, Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles head coach Tab Baldwin made it known that his team is ready for the physicality that the defending champions De La Salle University Green Archers bring to the table.
“They push the rules to the limit, the referees to the limit,” shared Baldwin, who is in his second year with Ateneo.
“Never in my 35 years that I had a consultation with an opposing coach and referees at halftime. I thought it was redundant. They were saying what was obviously happening and whats going to continue to happen,” added the American-Kiwi mentor.
Videos on social media went viral after Ateneo’s 76-70 win, showing some Green Archers throwing shots at the Blue Eagles.
In one video, Ricci Rivero was shown throwing a cheap shot at Vince Tolentino during the second quarter of the game. After Tolentino shot a free throw attempt, Rivero went for a box out and was seen throwing a short punch at the knee of the fifth-year Blue Eagle.
A few seconds after that incident, Aljun Melecio was seen pinching Anton Asistio just before the halftime break. The game officials saw it, slapping last season’s Rookie of the Year with an unsportmanlike foul.
If you’re looking for something a bit more silly but equally annoying here’s a video of Melecio pinching Asistio pic.twitter.com/r2ycPBmstY
— Alessandro (@ParmeSANDS) November 26, 2017
A third video surfaced showing Abu Tratter throwing a closed fist at Raffy Verano during a rebound skirmish.
Akala ata ni Tratter boxing yung sinalihan niyang sport. Grabe don’t tell me pati yan hindi sinasadya ?
You be the judge. pic.twitter.com/zllKYXJPDA
— ? (@animobf__) November 27, 2017
UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag has been notified about these incidents. In response, the tireless league official is looking to summon the players prior to Game Two’s tip-off on Wednesday.
“We’re looking at that,” Saguisag said.
“I’m actually appealing to everyone for a trouble-free Game Two.”
