MANILA, Philippines – It was a shocking rampage. Heavy Bomber John Amores attacked the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde bench during an NCAA game between Jose Rizal University (JRU) and De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde.  The basketball match quickly escalated into a boxing match, roused by John Amores of JRU.

With 3:22 remaining in their game against JRU at the Filoil EcoOil Centre, the Blazers maintained a commanding advantage. The score was 71-51. 

As he was called to the bench, Amores appeared to lose his composure and start screaming. He then started to sprint for the Benilde bench while dodging officials and bouncers. 

Amores was able to punch Jimboy Pasturan and Taine Davis despite attempts to pull him away. Before being dragged away from the other squad, he was also able to shove Migs Ozcon.

The game was stopped due to the incident, and the Blazers were declared the winners. According to reports, Amores was led back to the JRU bus. 

The JRU Heavy Bombers vs. Benilde Blazers game has been called off, the NCAA announced in a statement on Facebook, “to prevent further escalation of unpleasant situations and for the safety of the players, coaches, and audience.” 

“This is without prejudice to future investigation that may result in consequences against both clubs’ players and coaching staff.”

Amores, however, has been involved in a number of violent incidents. Mark Belmonte of the UP Fighting Maroons received a punch to the mouth on July 26, 2022, breaking his bottom gum and busting his lip. Amores was dismissed from the game, which was then given to UP.

Details on the assaulted players

Players from St. Benilde will be checked and examined following John Amores’ punching rampage as per NCAA.

Following the altercation between the Blazers and Jose Rizal University on Tuesday, College of St. Benilde would send two of its players for physicals. In the last seconds of the game, Taine Davis was struck on the chin and Jimboy Pasturan’s eye by Heavy Bombers player John Amores, who also temporarily rendered him unconscious.

“Jimboy received a severe black eye, and Taine Davis received a sucker punch and briefly felt lightheaded. Oczon, who was motionless, nearly received a punch. After their premature 71-51 victory, Tiu said, “Thankfully, they’re okay, but we’ll take them to the hospital to check if they incurred anything worse. 

Via game coverage, all of these were clearly captured on camera. Davis claims that he was attempting to defuse the situation when he suddenly received a punch.

“When Amores became enraged, he ran toward our bench in a frenzy. In an effort to defend my comrades, I questioned the referee about what was happening. Jimboy received a blow to the eye the very next moment, Davis claimed. 

The next thing he knew, he said, “I didn’t see where it was coming from but I got hit square in the chin. I was just trying to break it up.” 

Davis only played for nine minutes and pulled down two rebounds, while Pasturan finished with a game-high 18 points for the squad.