Narvasa fines erring players, mentor

MBA commissioner Ogie Narvasa cracked the whip anew on erring coach and players yesterday, collecting a total of P16,000 in fines in the aftermath of two tumultuous games last week.

Cebu Lhuillier’s Willy Mejia, who was called for a deliberate foul for swinging an elbow on the driving Junel Mendiola of Fedex Laguna, drew the stiffest sanction as he was fined P8,000 and suspended for a game.

Nueva Ecija assistant coach Duane Salvatera was fined P4,000 for continuously protesting referees’ calls and Negros’ Patrick Benedicto also P4,000 for an elbow foul.

Manwhile, Cebuana Lhuillier hopes to join Andok’s San Juan and Negros at the helm as it clashes with Nueva Ecija today in the first phase of the 2001 MBA season at the Cebu City Coliseum.

The Gems (6-3) trounced a listless FedEx Laguna side, 116-104, Sunday at home even as the Knights clipped the Slashers, 84-81, to force a two-way tie on top between themselves with identical 7-3 slates.– Joey Villar