One of the Dominican Republic’s big men sneaked in a punch at Gilas Pilipinas’ June Mar Fajardo during the thick of their battle in the FIBA World Cup on Friday.
The scores were tied 66-all in the fourth quarter when 6-foot-9 Angel Delgado decided to play dirty by throwing a right to the chest of Fajardo.
Fajardo, who stands an inch taller than him, was momentarily stunned. He later pointed at Delgado while looking for an official to blow a whistle.
Delgado was hurt too by his punch, as he shook his wrist after the hit. But he escaped without a call.
“‘Di ko nga alam (kung bakit nanuntok) e,” said Fajardo. “Tumatakbo lang ako, e pero sinuntok niya ko.”
“Nayanig lang ako. Laki din nun e. Hindi naman maliit ‘yun.”
But instead of pressing the referees for a call, Fajardo decided to let his game do the talking.
Fajardo scored 16 points, seven rebounds, and a block despite Gilas’ defeat.
“Hindi worth it ‘yung (gumanti). Hindi naman nawala (ang focus ko). Kelangan focus lang sa game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Delgado settled for six points, a rebound, and an assist.
And for local fans, he also has one punch under his name.
