A postgame handshake protocol disintegrated into a violent brawl on Tuesday at Coliseo Juan Sánchez Acevedo in Moca, leaving the Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino to weigh immediate disciplinary measures.
The altercation erupted moments after the visiting Caguas Criollas defeated the Moca Explosivas 78-72 to claim a 2-0 lead in their Series C quarterfinal matchup, as reported by El Nuevo Día.
As both teams lined up for the customary postgame greeting, Caguas coach Xavier Aponte and Moca coach Leonel “Leo” Avilés appeared to exchange words. Explosivas player Natasha Alequín then struck Caguas assistant Omar Vargas in the face, according to videos circulated on social media.
Television broadcast footage showed a furious Vargas pushing toward the Explosivas bench following the initial strike. Criollas personnel held him back while Avilés was similarly contained on his way to the home locker room.
Local fans began shouting at Vargas as tensions mounted near the court perimeter. Cindy Nieves, the Explosivas operations manager, was pushed in the ensuing confusion. Both sides exchanged punches while spectators hurled chairs and cups onto the hardwood floor.
Security personnel intervened to calm the crowd and separate the players and staff members. Security eventually restored order without further escalation.
The league scheduled a review of the floor footage to determine penalties for the teams involved. “We will evaluate the incident,” league officials stated as the Baloncesto Superior Nacional Femenino prepared to weigh disciplinary measures on Wednesday.
Vargas serves as general manager for the Criollos men’s basketball team in the BSN and is under evaluation to take over as apoderado for the Criollas women’s volleyball franchise. The league announced that disciplinary rulings from Tuesday’s brawl will follow the review process.
The Criollas can clinch a spot in the postseason semifinals on Thursday when they face the defending champions at Coliseo Roger Mendoza. Caguas holds a two-game advantage in the series heading into the next contest.
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