Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao insisted that he was just defending his player after he got into a verbal tussle with Magnolia team consultant Erick Arejola late in their 91-82 victory over Magnolia.

The fiery mentor and the long-time executive got into it at mid-court after Arejola confronted ROS import Jaylen Johnson during a dead-ball situation over his celebration after a dunk against Zav Lucero.

“I was trying to protect my players because he was trying to intimidate my player. I had to do something,” said Guiao, who immediately came into his import’s defense and exchanged fiery words with Arejola instead.

What’s baffling for Guiao, however, was how come that Arejola — a team official — managed to get into the middle of the court and confront his player without even getting stopped by the referees.

“That was, I think, after a timeout. Galing kami sa timeout. Paglingon ko sa court, Erick was in the face of my import,” the ROS mentor recalled.

“And that’s all the way from their bench. So iniisip ko, paano siya nakarating sa ganoon na hindi man lang siya pinigilan ng referees?” he added.

Asked about what has been said during the commotion, Guiao would rather keep it within themselves.

“I had some words, but I don’t think I need to repeat the words,” the champion mentor said in jest. “But I don’t know if he had some words for me. Hindi naman kami nagkakarinigan siguro.”

Cooler heads eventually prevailed with the two getting tagged with technical fouls. Although the drama did not end there as Guiao did not shake hands with Arejola and only acknowledged Magnolia head coach LA Tenorio.

Guiao, however, clarified that he already moved forward from the spat the moment he stepped outside of the court.

“Magkakaibigan naman kami. Pero pagdating sa laro, kanya-kanyang protect tayo doon sa mga interes natin. Siguro ganun din gagawin niya ‘pag ginawa ko ‘yon sa player niya. But wala naman sa akin ‘yun,” he added.