PBA: Caelan Tiongson says post-game drama ‘just friendly banter’

Rain or Shine captain Caelan TIongson during a win over Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Yeng Guiao’s tirade over Cliff Hodge’s style of play was not the only reason Rain or Shine’s thrilling win over Meralco in the PBA Governors’ Cup had some added color.

Sunday’s game at Smart Araneta Coliseum also saw Elasto Painters team captain Caelan Tiongson having a tense exchange with the Bolts’ Diego Lozano, who acts as the team’s strength and conditioning coach.

Tiongson and Lozano had to be separated after Rain or Shine’s 85-83 triumph when things became physical while both teams were heading to their respective locker rooms.

Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson and Diego Lozano, who is part of the Meralco staff, had to be separated after Sunday’s PBA Governors’ Cup game at Smart Araneta Coliseum. Tiongson later said after Rain or Shine’s 85-83 win that “it’s just friendly banter.” #PBA50 @inquirersports pic.twitter.com/AIICjFWrPX

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“The Meralco guys were a bunch of class acts, then he was the one on the team who liked to talk a little trash. So it’s just friendly banter,” Tiongson said.

It appeared that Tiongson and Lozano were already chirping at each other during the match before the Rain or Shine forward went toward an exiting Lozano, tapping him on the back and saying a few words.

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao calls Cliff Hodge ‘dirtiest player in the league’

Lozano followed Tiongson while the two teams did the customary postgame handshake, and things got more heated from there.

Meralco’s Aaron Black and Rain or Shine’s Stanley Pringle were among those who separated the two, with players and coaches from both teams seemingly laughing off the incident.

Tiongson scored 11 points as the Elasto Painters improved to 4-2 for second place in Group B.