Lyceum of the Philippines University’s (LPU) John Mathew Bravo gave fans quite a scare after collapsing during a basketball game against Arellano University in NCAA Season 100 at the Filoil EcoOil Arena on Saturday.
According to The Philippine STAR’s report, the tense moment occurred during a heated scramble for a loose ball when Bravo collided heads with Arellano’s Renzo Abiera.
The impact sent JM crashing to the floor, where he lay motionless, leaving the crowd in stunned silence. Teammates, game officials, and medics immediately rushed to his side.
Bravo was stretchered off the court and transported to Cardinal Santos Medical Center. He eventually regained consciousness and will undergo a 48-hour concussion protocol to monitor his condition.
Following the incident, JM has publicly cleared his teammate John Barba of any wrongdoing after the frightening incident during their game.
In a moment of panic, Barba rushed to Bravo’s side and shook his teammate’s head in an attempt to revive him.
The act was met with backlash on social media, where netizens expressed concern over Barba’s actions, particularly in light of Bravo’s recent history of spinal injury.
In response to the criticisms, JM took to Facebook to defend his teammate, urging fans to stop spreading negativity.
“Please STOP spreading bad vibes, bad and nonsense comments! John Barba and I are very close, and I treat him as a brother,” wrote Bravo.
“I understand what he did, and I appreciate everyone’s concern, especially my team. So please stop making bad comments. I’m already okay and cleared,” Bravo added, assuring fans of his condition.
On the other hand, Barba also explained his reaction, describing the overwhelming fear he felt upon seeing Bravo’s unconscious state.
“Kanina as a brother, makita mo yung kapatid mong nagkaganun, magpa-panic ka talaga. First time ko siyang makitang ganun na tumitirik yung mata niya,” Barba shared in an interview with GMA Sports PH.
Barba acknowledged that his actions may not have been the most appropriate response, but emphasized the intensity of the situation.
“Alam ko naman na mali yung ginawa ko pero pag nasa ganun kang situwasyon, hindi mo na alam ang gagawin mo,” he explained.
Meanwhile, LPU announced earlier on their official social media page that Bravo has cleared his CT scans and neurological assessment and is set to be discharged from the hospital tomorrow.
