CESAFI to probe fight-marred SWU-CIT match

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI) will conduct a thorough investigation on the fight-marred game between the Southwestern University-Phinma Cobras and the Cebu Institute of Technology Wildcats that saw SWU's Jovanie Luz and CIT-U's Kerr Louise Nemil being banished from the game last Thursday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

CESAFI deputy commissioner Danny Duran said he will meet with the concerned referees and make them submit a written report on the consequences surrounding the ugly incident.

The game was already well in hand with the Cobras leading by a mile, 48-29, but tension flared up when Luz punched Nemil in the face in a fit of anger after the CIT-U big man struck him with a closed fist while going for a layup at the 5:40 mark of the third quarter.

The Cobras went on to score an 87-45 cakewalk.

Proverbial cooler heads, however, prevailed in preventing the situation from escalating into a free-for-all.

In the aftermath of the heated altercation, Nemil suffered a busted lips and a cut in between his eyes.

The erring players were thrown out from the game. As per league rules, they will serve an automatic one-game suspension plus a P5,000 fine and four-hour community service under the supervision of the Cebu City Sports Commission.

However, Luz and Nemil may face further sanctions depending on the outcome of CESAFI's probe.

"We'll make some recommendations based on the written account of the referees on the incident, then submit it to CESAFI commisioner Boy Tiukinhoy for approval.  Maybe by Monday, we can already come up with a final decision on that matter," said Duran. (FREEMAN)