(Photo courtesy of UAAP)
MANILA — Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas has been handed a two-game suspension by the UAAP basketball commissioner’s office following multiple rule violations, including unsportsmanlike conduct during the Blue Eagles’ game against the University of the Philippines (UP).
In a statement Monday, November 9, the UAAP announced that Alas would serve his suspension during Ateneo’s upcoming matches against Adamson University on November 11 and the University of Santo Tomas (UST) on November 15.
Both games are scheduled at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The latest disciplinary action stemmed from an incident during Ateneo’s 82-74 loss to UP on Saturday.
At the 3:55 mark of the first quarter, Alas entered the playing court to protest a referee’s non-call.
Despite being instructed by the nearest game official to return to the sidelines, the Ateneo coach remained on the court, prompting officials to assess him a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
The UAAP also cited an earlier incident involving Alas during Ateneo’s October 17 matchup against UST.
During that game, Alas allegedly attempted to distract UST player Amiel Acido while the latter was attempting a three-point shot.
The coach subsequently touched Acido on the back, an action that went unnoticed by game officials during live play.
However, a subsequent review by the UAAP commissioner’s office determined that the incident violated league house rules and regulations established by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Alas had previously received a one-game suspension after accumulating three infractions.
The latest two-game penalty adds to the disciplinary measures imposed on the Ateneo coach as the Blue Eagles continue their UAAP basketball campaign.
Ateneo will face Adamson and UST without Alas on the sidelines as the team seeks to improve its standing in the tournament.
