Australia's FIBA World Cup qualifying match against the Philippines "erupted into a vicious all-in-brawl" during "wild scenes" at the Philippine Arena on Monday, according to Greg Davis of the Brisbane COURIER-MAIL. Nine Philippine players and four Boomers were ejected from the game after the "nasty brawl was sparked when Australian guard Chris Goulding was sent to the floor with a heavy shove" with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. In "farcical scenes," the game continued with just three Philippine players eligible to be on the court. They then "deliberately fouled the Australians so they could gradually be disqualified from the game and bring an early end to the drama" that ended with an 89-53 win by the Boomers with 1:57 left in the third quarter. All "hell broke loose" when Daniel Kickert "appeared to strike the Philippine player that hit Goulding with an elbow," resulting in the home team clearing its bench and starting a "virtual street fight" in a "stunning over-reaction." Philippine players "furiously chased Kickert around the court as fists, feet and chairs started to fly." Australian guard Nathan Sobey was "pinned under a courtside chair and punched by a number of Philippine players." As officials checked replays to decide on a course of action, Philippine players "posed for selfies" (COURIER-MAIL, 7/3).
