‘Uwan’ washes away cage leagues

The strong rains and torrential rains brought by super typhoon "Uwan" forced local basketball leagues to call off their scheduled matches on Sunday.

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) made the announcement, saying that it is cancelling its Season 88 men’s basketball encounter between University of Santo Tomas (UST) and Far Eastern University (FEU) as well as the duel between rivals Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University as they prioritize the safety of student-athletes and spectators.

The postponed matches, which are expected to draw a sellout crowd due to their serious implications in the race to the Final Four, will be played at a later date.

“The safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, fans, and everyone involved is our top priority,” the league said in a statement on Saturday afternoon, shortly after “Uwan” entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility.

“We strongly advise everyone to take all necessary precautions, stay indoors if possible, and ensure the safety of your family and loved ones during this severe weather event.” 

Also suspending their scheduled matches are the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

The PBA announced on Saturday that its scheduled matches between leader TNT Tropang 5G and Magnolia will be shelved as well as the battle between crowd darling Barangay Ginebra and Titan Ultra at the Ynares Center II in Montalban, Rizal.

The PBA doesn’t usually cancel its games due to severe weather conditions. But with “Uwan” reportedly developing into a violent storm, the PBA had no choice but to call off its scheduled double-header for the first time since the semifinals of the Commissioner’s Cup in 2018.

“With the safety of our fans, players, officials and staff as our top priority, the PBA has decided to postpone its Sunday, November 9 games,” said the PBA, marking the league’s first games suspension since the Finals of the 2022 Governors’ Cup when a small fire hampered the operations of the Smart Araneta Coliseum.