PBA probing Hotshots-Bolts altercation

MANILA, Philippines — Possible sanctions loom as the PBA investigates the commotion that marred Wednesday’s Philippine Cup duel between Magnolia and Meralco.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said the technical committee is reviewing videos of the incident that saw Meralco’s Cliff Hodge giving a hard foul on Magnolia’s Zav Lucero that resulted in an altercation between the two and later triggered a bench-clearing scrum.

“Pinatawag natin yung involved parties (today), around three or four of them,”said Marcial, whose office is expected to slap penalties after hearing the side of those involved.

Hodge was assessed a flagrant foul penalty one infraction for his wrestling-style takedown of Lucero after losing ball possession with 2:16 left in the game that the unbeaten Hotshots handily won, 117-92.

“I was trying to stop the fastbreak layup. It is what it is. I’m not the ref, so… the guys decided what it’s gonna be, so it’s okay,” Hodge said.

The Fil-am bruiser also claimed that during the ruckus, a Magnolia assistant coach whom he didn’t name “head-butted” him.

“The assistant coach head-butted me in my face. I don’t know if they didn’t see it or whatever, but I guess that’s okay for them.”