Alas gets two-game ban

The Universities Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) has slapped Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas a two-game suspension following the accumulation of two infractions and unsportsmanlike conduct against University of the Philippines (UP).

Alas will serve his suspension on Wednesday when the Blue Eagles face Adamson University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and on Sunday when they take on the University of Santo Tomas (UST) at the same venue.

One game of the suspension stems from an incident at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter of Ateneo’s game against UP on 7 November.

Alas entered the court to complain about a non-call and remained on the playing court despite being warned by the nearest referee to return to the sideline. He was subsequently assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.

Alas’ first infraction occurred during Ateneo’s game against UST on 17 October.

At the 5:15 mark of the third quarter, he attempted to distract UST’s Amiel Acido as the latter attempted a corner three-pointer. After Acido converted the shot, Alas touched the back of the UST player. Although the incident was missed by the game officials, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the play and imposed the appropriate disciplinary sanction under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.

Alas had previously served a one-game suspension on 10 October after accumulating three infractions, with his infraction count reset to two following the first suspension, as per UAAP House Rules.