BOCAUE, Bulacan — With the top spot in Group B of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers on the line, the game between Gilas Pilipinas and Australia was expected to be a big time clash.
It was a different clash on Monday night.
A bench-clearing brawl ensued between the two teams in the third quarter of their showdown at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
With 4:01 remaining in the third quarter and Australia ahead, 79-48, RR Pogoy shoved Chris Goulding while trying to find a space.
Daniel Kickert retaliated with his own shove against Pogoy, that sparked a melee.
In the end, Goulding, Kickert, Maker, and Nathan Sobey were thrown out for Australia.
However, Pogoy, Jayson Castro, Terrence Romeo, Calvin Abueva, Troy Rosario, Japeth Aguilar, Andray Blatche, Carl Cruz, and Matt Wright were also thrown out, leaving only Junemar Fajardo, Baser Amer, and Gabe Norwood eligible to continue.
Fajardo and Norwood, who were already in foul trouble during that time, gave up their remaining fouls to finally put an end to the game.
The game was called with Australia winning, 89-53. (PNA)
