Stiff fines likely in aftermath of rough ending to Magnolia win
Stiff penalties likely await Cliff Hodge, Zavier Lucero and other principals in the scuffle that marred Magnolia’s 117-92 win over Meralco on Wednesday night that kept the Hotshots unbeaten after six games in the PBA Philippine Cup.
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial is scheduled to summon those involved on Friday to explain their roles in the incident, which occurred with 2:16 left in the fourth quarter and Magnolia practically assured of another win at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Marcial said the technical committee spent on Thursday reviewing the tape of the skirmish, but did not confirm if only Hodge and Lucero will be asked to air their sides.
Hodge’s WWE-like maneuver didn’t sit well with Lucero, who immediately confronted the Bolts veteran once the whistle was blown before the hot-collared sophomore was initially pacified by teammates.
But things simmered yet again when Lucero and Hodge tried to continue their barb at the scorers’ table, prompting the benches of both teams to empty with PBA officials and bouncers trying to separate the two sides.
Amid the tensions was another exchange of words between Magnolia team manager Alvin Patrimonio and Meralco active consultant Nenad Vucinic before cooler heads prevailed.
Lucero later told online site Spin.ph that he wants Hodge punished for what he deemed was a “dirty play,” while Hodge countered that he was only trying to prevent a fast break layup, though he added that he received a headbutt from a member of the Magnolia coaching staff.
Impressive start
“I guess the physicality was too excessive, which is why there was a commotion,” Magnolia coach Chito Victolero later said in Filipino as Magnolia remained the only team unbeaten in the conference.
Paul Lee’s three four-point shots on his way to 27 points proved to be the decisive moment as the Hotshots continued their impressive start while the defending champion Bolts are now in panic mode after dropping to 3-5 with a second straight loss.
“All teams want to beat us,” said Victolero. “The confidence of the team is high, but our mindset is that there’s still a long way to go.”
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra seeks to climb up in the standings on Friday against Phoenix at 7:30 p.m. at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City after coming off an out-of-town win over Converge in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Ginebra is at 3-2, tied with Rain or Shine and trailing third-placer San Miguel Beer (4-2) in the table. Phoenix sits ninth at 2-4.
Converge (4-3) looks to bounce back in the 5 p.m. opener with struggling NorthPort (1-4).
