In a heated clash between Northport and NLEX during the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, tensions soared after the Road Warriors secured a 112-104 victory over Batang Pier at Araneta Coliseum. The game’s conclusion led to a confrontation involving Batang Pier’s team manager, Pido Jarencio, and NLEX’s import, Thomas Robinson.
The commotion escalated in the tunnel as Jarencio, agitated by the game’s events, directed threats toward Robinson, leading to a tense situation that required intervention from players, security personnel, and league commissioner Willie Marcial.
Robinson, a central figure in several on-court collisions during the game, notably encountered a shoulder check from Northport’s JM Calma in the third quarter. The resulting chaos unfolded as emotions ran high, culminating in verbal exchanges and threats.
NLEX coach Frankie Lim, addressing the incident post-game, expressed uncertainty about the altercation’s origins but emphasized that tensions had already peaked upon his arrival at the dugout. Lim remarked on the verbal exchanges between the parties involved, acknowledging Robinson’s resilience in the face of the confrontation.
While tempers flared, Robinson maintained composure, shrugging off the aftermath of the intense encounter. Despite finishing the game with an impressive 30 points, 18 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, he attributed the heated exchange to the competitive nature of the sport.
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In response to the post-game turmoil, Robinson downplayed the situation, recognizing the frustration stemming from the loss. He highlighted the competitive aspect of the game, stating that both teams were simply engaged in the spirit of competition.
Jarencio departed the scene without offering a statement, and Northport faced a setback, landing at a 2-2 record, while NLEX mirrored the same record after their victory.
The intense clash, marred by the post-game altercation, underscored the heated competitive environment within the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. Despite the tensions and emotions running high, the league continues to showcase the passion and intensity inherent in professional basketball.
Image source: tiebreakertimes