COACH Topex Robinson’s dirty — pun intended — antic last Sunday night may deal a big blow to defending champion La Salle’s title-retention bid that is so far looking good in the 87th UAAP basketball tournament.
The league is set to hand down its verdict on University of the Philippines guard Reyland Torres’ allegations that Robinson spat at him during the teams’ highly emotional duel at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
The UAAP Board of Managing Directors held its regular meeting last Tuesday and tackled Torres’ allegation.
Although no complaints have been formally filed so far, the UAAP technical committee will now review all incidents during games as a standard operating procedure.
Torres claimed Robinson spat at his right shoulder, but the La Salle camp said the UP player provoked the incident by talking trash while passing by in front of their bench twice, leading to Robinson yelling at him.
There was also a heated altercation at the 2:54 mark of the third quarter that involved La Salle assistant coach Gian Nazario and UP counterpart Tom Chua before cooler heads prevailed.
Nazario said the incident showed the protagonists simply did not want to lose.
“Siyempre, emotions were really high at that point,” Nazario said. “I don’t really know honestly what transpired, I’m just there to protect my coaches as well.
“When everyone was standing up, I wanted to stand up, I wanted to be united with them. Emotions, nadala lang naman tayo lahat. I think it was pacified well. It’s part of the game.”
Robinson, meanwhile, remained tightlipped.
One thing is certain: Robinson will be suspended if found guilty but the Taft-based five must move forward, according to Nazario.
“We still have a lot to work on, a lot to learn kasi kung masa-satisfy na kami dito, that would be our downfall. So, I think what’s best is these guys will be able to recover and practice na ulit,” he said. “Iyon naman talaga ang gusto namin. Just like what KQ (Kevin Quiambao) said also, we enjoyed the day, enjoyed the win. But tomorrow’s another day.”
