UAAP slaps Alas with one-game suspension

Ateneo De Manila University interim coach Louie Alas has been meted out a one-game suspension by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) following the accumulation of three technical foul infractions.

Alas, who is in his first year as mentor for the Blue Eagles, will serve his suspension on Saturday against Far Eastern University in the Season 89 men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Two of the three infractions occurred during Ateneo’s 76-83 loss to defending champion De La Salle University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“At the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, following a foul call, Ateneo assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was observed verbally taunting La Salle’s Vhoris Marasigan from the bench. Coach Alas was subsequently assessed a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior, which was later changed to a bench technical foul,” the league wrote in a statement released on Friday.

Alas was also observed in the 3:42 mark of the fourth quarter, Alas was observed engaging in physical misconduct involving opposing players. He forcefully attempted to pull an opposing player to his feet before making further physical contact by nudging another player with his elbow.

Although the incident was not seen by the game officials on the floor, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the incident and subsequently assessed the physical misconduct as a disqualifying foul under the UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.

Alas’ first infraction occurred on 19 September, during Ateneo’s game against University of the Philippines. During the game, assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was assessed a technical foul for improper bench decorum, which was then charged to Alas.

Ateneo can appeal the decision.