MANILA, Philippines – Glenn Khobuntin downplayed his bizarre spat with TNT teammate Poy Erram in Game 3 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Rain or Shine on Sunday, March 2, calling it a mere “friendly fire.”
Khobuntin and Erram figured in a brief but fiery shouting match with 18 seconds remaining in the second quarter of their 103-98 loss that left those in attendance at the Araneta Coliseum stunned.
“Emotions were high and we were playing bad. That’s just friendly fire. I’ve known Poy for a long time, that’s nothing,” said Khobuntin in Filipino.
The altercation stemmed from a play in which Erram felt he got fouled by Elasto Painters import Deon Thompson as he cut to the basket.
A fuming Erram confronted the referees and incurred a technical foul, but he continued berating the officials, prompting Khobuntin to step in.
Khobuntin grabbed Erram by his jersey, but the big man took exception and swatted his teammate away.
They barked at each other before cooler heads prevailed, with Roger Pogoy and Brian Heruela bringing Erram away to pacify the intense situation.
Khobuntin said he just did not want Erram to receive another infraction, knowing how valuable the latter is to the team.
Erram finished with 10 points and 4 rebounds off the bench, while Khobuntin tallied 2 points and 5 rebounds as a starter.
“I just told him to let it go because he might get another technical foul. He’s too important for the game,” said Khobuntin.
“He felt that he’s being held a lot and the referees didn’t notice.”
The two, though, were quick to patch things up as they shared a hug before play resumed.
“We’re just humans. Fortunately, he managed to control his emotions because we’re in the middle of the game,” said Khobuntin.
Their series lead down to 2-1 after the loss, the Tropang Giga seek to move within a win of the finals in Game 4 on Wednesday, March 5, at the same venue. – Rappler.com