Fight between Arboleda, fan spoils BK victory

Veteran guard Wynne Arboleda and a paying fan, who reportedly verbally assaulted the entire Burger King squad, spoiled Japeth Aguilar’s first meeting with his former squad after a fight ensued during Friday’s game between the Whopper and Smart Gilas. Arboleda and Smart-Gilas fan Alain Katigbak took center stage in the six-minute mark of the second period overshadowing Burger King’s 115-105 triumph over coach Rajko Toroman’s developmental team.

Katigbak received kicks and punches from Arboleda while seated at the special ringside section at the back of the Burger King bench. The stocky playmaker charged to the fan, who reportedly issued profanities on every Burger King player on the bench. “Minumura niya ako ng minumura eh," Arboleda told GMANews.TV. “Lumapit na nga ako sa kanya para tumigil siya pero tuluy-tuloy pa rin siya ng mura sa akin." The incident took place after Arboleda was called for his second Flagrant Foul Penalty 1 against a driving Mac Barracael. Katigbak shouted invectives against Arboleda. Burger King assistant coach Rhoel Nadurata confirmed that Katigbak verbally abused their players every time they were at the Whopper bench. Arboleda said he’s ready whatever penalty the PBA will impose on him adding that he does not regret his actions. He is expected to meet with league commissioner Sonny Barrios on Monday. “Yung family ko nanonood, tapos mumura-murahin lang ako," said Arboleda. Syempre, lalaki lang tayo eh. Pero dapat yung security sa Araneta should also do something, lalo na yung ganitong situation na mainit na yung fan and pinagmumumura kami." Allan Caidic, who was watching at the press row, believes Arboleda has no excuse of not being penalized. But he condemned the actions done by Katigbak, who not only threw invectives on the player but also issued a dirty finger while on the way out. “Yung ticket sa PBA may nakasulat yan sa likod na bawal magbigay ng profane language. Pwede mong asarin, pero huwag mo naman murahin. I know walang excuse si Wynne para hindi ma-penalize, but the Commissioner’s Office should also look into the matter on what triggered the player from doing such action," said Caidic. The fan reportedly went straight to the Central Police District to file charges against Arboleda. After the game, Burger King coach Yeng Guiao said the key to the win was their preparation against Smart-Gilas, which scored a 98-69 rout over his Powerade-Pilipinas men’s basketball team in the benefit game for typhoon "Ondoy" victims. “Nakatulong yung nakalaban namin sila sa benefit game," said Guiao. “We came out prepared beating their handoff plays, back picks and pick and roll. But I do believe they (Smart-Gilas) will get better and get themselves adjusted soon to the PBA brand of game," said Guiao. “It’s a good way to bounce back after a bad loss. It’s nice to win, especially against Smart-Gilas, which came out in this game beefed up," he added. Aguilar finished with 18 points, but was visibly bothered by Burger King's physical defense in the second half. He only scored two points in the fourth period. Smart-Gilas’ import CJ Giles finished with 12 markers and eight boards but fouled out inside the six-minute mark of the final period. – GMANews.TV