Tempers flare as Red Bull wins

Tempers flare as Red Bull wins

Waylon Galvez

It was already a no-bearing game, but emotion still ran high during the game between Purefoods and Red Bull that players — Carlo Sharma and Jondan Salvador – were both ejected after figuring in a fistfight last night.

Still, the Bulls emerged victorious as they handed the Giants – the first to clinch an outright semis berth – their third straight setback, 97-84, in the PBA Smart-Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The incident nearly sparked a free-for-all after both benches emptied with 9:02 left in the fourth period, the Bulls ahead, 73-65.

Sharma, known for his tough physical plays dating back to his college days with La Salle, appeared to have initiated the fight when he planted an elbow on Salvador’s face as Salvador tried to block his way under the Bulls’ basket.

Angered by Sharma’s cheap shot, Salvador punched Sharma, sending the 6-foot-6 Red Bull Center to the floor.

Fines and suspensions are likely to be meted on the two players in their next games. Purefoods will play next in the semifinals while Red Bull in the quarterfinals.

"No bearing pa lang ‘to, pano kung meron na," Red Bull’s Yeng Guiao said. "It’s the kind of intensity we can get from both teams. This game is only for the bragging rights. At least we preserved our unbeaten record against them."

Guiao, however, is wary of Sharma’s possible suspension.

"I’ll leave it to the wisdom of the commissioner (Sonny Barrios). We’ll just wait for their decision. But it will certainly hurt us if one of our big men will be out," he said.

The Bulls finished their record at 11-7, tying the Alaska Aces for third and fourth.

However, Alaska will take the No. 3 seat and the Red Bull will take No. 4 in the quarters, which is a best-of-three series.

Red Bull will face the No. 5 qualifier Magnolia Beverage.

First Game:

RED BULL 97 — Baguio 11, Valenzuela 11, Bugia 10, Robinson 10, Hrabak 10, Najorda 9, Andaya 8, Cruz 8, Pennisi 8, Duncil 4, Membrere 4, Sharma 4.

Purefoods 84 — Yap J. 22, Raymundo 22, Pingris 16, Simon 9, Adducul 6, Yap R. 4, Lanete 2, Salvador 2, Yee 1, Evangelista 0, Castillo 0.

Quarters: 28-24, 48-35, 69-59, 97-84.

Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/SPRT20080117114626.html