Perpetual, EAC players take fight outside after being ejected

MANILA, Philippines – After an on-court incident with 1:38 remaining in the final frame of the game between University of Perpetual Help System Dalta and Emilio Aguinaldo College on Tuesday, September 22, players from both schools took the heat to the parking lot of the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan City.

Enjerico Diego of EAC and Nikko Cabiltes of Perpetual Help were ejected after both men shoved each other following a rebound play, while Diego’s teammate Raymond Pascua entered the fray and instigated a scuffle.

According to an eyewitness account, Cabiltes confronted Pascua before the two exchanged verbal jabs and then traded punches outside the playing venue, prompting security officials to intervene and control the melee.

One witness claimed that Pascua was accompanied by Sidney Onwubere to attack Cabiltes, but Diego was not seen at the aforementioned scene.

The observer further stated that import centers Bright Akhuetie and Hamadou Laminou tried to stop the altercation together with GJ Ylagan and Nestor Bantayan.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is still investigating the unfortunate incident and has yet to issue a statement regarding the matter.

Tuesday’s double-headliner ironically marked the first year anniversary of the infamous free-for-all brawl involving EAC and Mapua Institute of Technology at the same location, which led to the suspension of 17 players and 3 referees. – Rappler.com