Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas will miss the Blue Eagles’ next game after accumulating three infractions during the ongoing UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Alas is set to serve his one-game suspension on Saturday, October 10, when Ateneo takes on Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Blue Eagles have the option to appeal the ruling.
Two of the violations stemmed from Ateneo’s rivalry game against De La Salle University on Wednesday, including incidents that occurred with 3:42 remaining in the fourth quarter.
The first involved an exchange from the Ateneo bench after a foul was called. Assistant coach Kerby Raymundo was observed verbally taunting DLSU player Vhoris Marasigan, prompting officials to assess Alas a direct technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. The penalty was later reclassified as a bench technical foul.
Alas was also penalized for physical misconduct during the same stoppage. According to the league’s report, he attempted to force an opposing player to stand before making additional physical contact with another player using his elbow.
Although the incident escaped the attention of the on-court officials, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the sequence and classified the act as a disqualifying foul under UAAP house rules and applicable FIBA regulations.
Alas’ first infraction was recorded on September 19 during Ateneo’s matchup against the University of the Philippines.
The accumulation of the three infractions triggered the one-game suspension, leaving Ateneo to prepare for its upcoming clash with FEU without Alas on the sidelines. (Adrian Co)
