THE Davao Jones Academy (DJA) survived past Emar Human and Environmental College (EHEC), 78-71, after a short scuffle at the homestretch that caused suspension of players from both teams as Gaisano Grand Cup 2016 "Game of the Rising Star" juniors division resumed at the Gaisano Grand Citimall Sky Gym Sunday evening.
It was a hill-to-hill battle for both squads in the third quarter, resulting in intense physicality.
In the last two minutes of the final frame, Emar was up, 72-71, when DJA's guard Jovel Bante grabbed a steal and rush to the other side of the court but Marvin Alejano of Emar gave up a hard foul to stop him that ignited the friction between the two teams.
Bante's teammate Bacalso interrupted in front of them to halt the fight but Alejano punched him, thus, DJA's bench was provoked including Danny Boy Geraldino who entered the court.
Alejano of Emar and Geraldino of DJA were then ejected from the court and will be suspended for one game due to technical foul.
Both teams were given two free throws but the ball possession went to Emar.
DJA, however, took advantage when key player Kent Santillan fired a three-pointer seconds to play, sealing the game to their favor.
Santillan poured in 27 baskets and teammate Ariel Lascuña added 16.
Thal Dolormente of Emar scored game-high 28.
DJA coach Jimmy Colicot Jr., in an interview with VoxPop Davao, said his game plan clicked, fielding Santillan, Lascuña and Hajed Andres.
"Nagkaproblema kami sa third kasi gusto nila fast plays kaya nagcommitngmadaming turnovers," Colicot said.
Santillan, for his part, said it was a tough game but he was glad that he was able to deliver his chore from the paint down the stretch.