DLSU’s Perkins says UST coach uttered ‘some unnecessary words’

MANILA, Philippines – What was a competitive and highly-physical game between the DLSU Green Archers and UST Growling Tigers on Sunday, August 10 grew heated towards the end of the contest when UST head coach Bong Dela Cruz got into a verbal argument with DLSU players Jason Perkins and Jeron Teng and assistant coach Allan Caidic.

According to Perkins, whose Green Archers came out on top 83-70, the UST head coach mentioned some ‘unnecessary words’ which yielded the argument.

“Just some unnecessary words. That was pretty much it. I don’t want to get into detail, but [they] were just some unnecessary words,” Perkins mentioned in an interview with the media following the game.

“Medyo personal yung sinabi ni Coach (Dela Cruz) eh,” Teng said, when asked of the incident. “Hindi dapat ako magsabi niyan.”

(What Coach Dela Cruz said was pretty personal. I’m not supposed to say what.)

Perkins didn’t get into the specifics of what was said, explaining that it was just some unnecessary terms while also mentioning he opted not to say anything derogatory in return.

“I just thought it was unnecessary. I didn’t say anything bad back. I’m not going to stoop to that level. I just thought it was unnecessary.”

Perkins also said that the incident may have been caused by the game’s physicality and play: 

“It was just in the heat of the game. That’s what happens in basketball. That’s one of the fun aspects in basketball. The physical play, the talking, [and] getting into each other’s heads.”

The Growling Tigers built a four-point lead in the third quarter against the Green Archers, but surrendered a late rally to their adversaries, whom they also faced in last year’s UAAP Finals and lost to in three games.

Despite injuries to key players, La Salle managed to maintain their lead in the game’s final period and come away with the win, thanks to some crucial baskets by Perkins.

“It was all good. It was a lot of fun. That’s just in the game, in the heat of the game,” Perkins added about the situation.

When asked about his thoughts on Teng, who finished with 22 points, coming to his aid, Perkins stated that, “That’s my bro, Jeron. [He’s] always there.”

La Salle finished their first round campaign in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament at 5-2, while UST dropped to 3-3 with one more game against the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, August 13, remaining. – Rappler.com