17 players, 3 referees suspended after NCAA basket-brawl

A record of 17 players and three referees were suspended by the NCAA as a result of the game-ending brawl between the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals and the Mapua Cardinals.

“The Mancom condemns in the highest level the unfortunate incident that occurred in the Mapua-EAC game,” said NCAA Chairman Paul Supan. “Hooliganism has no place in an established league like the NCAA. Proper sanctions based on league rules will be imposed accordingly.”

The stiffest penalty was handed down to John Tayongtong as he was slapped a five-game suspension. He was the one who started the melee as he elbowed Mapua’s CJ Isit while bringing down the ball. When he was confronted, Tayongtong knocked down Isit again with a punch.

Tayongtong’s teammates Jan Jamon, Ariel Aguilar, and Jack Arquero face a three game-suspension while John Santos, Manelle Quilanita, and Edsel Saludo were meted a two-game ban.

General Faustine Pascual will not be allowed to play in their next game while Jerald Serrano, Christ Mejos, Ai Indin, and Jozhua General escaped sanctions.

For Mapua, Leo Gabo was slapped a four-game suspension as his shove on Tayongtong escalated the matter. Jomari Tubiano on the other hand was slapped a three-game ban.

Justin Serrano, James Galoso, Exeqiel Biteng, and Andrew Estrella will not be allowed to suit up for Mapua’s next two games and Jerome Canaynay, Ronnel Villasenor, and Darrel Magsigay were given one-game suspensions.

Jessie Saitanan, Joseph Eriobu, Jeson Cantos, and Isit escaped penalties.

Referees Molly de Luna, Menard Ballecer, and Cholo Caoile were also suspended indefinitely and fined as they failed to control the situation.