Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas has been suspended for two games by the UAAP following multiple violations of league rules, including his unsportsmanlike behavior during and after the Blue Eagles’ November 7 clash against the University of the Philippines in the Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
Alas will miss Ateneo’s matchups against Adamson University on Wednesday, November 11, and the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday, November 15. Both games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
One game of the suspension stems from an incident during Ateneo’s November 7 encounter with UP. With 3:55 remaining in the first quarter, Alas entered the playing court to protest a non-call and failed to return to the sideline despite a warning from the nearest referee, resulting in a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The other game was imposed over his actions after the contest, when he confronted UP forward Jacob Bayla following the latter’s late-game dunk.
With less than a second left on the clock, Alas entered the court, pointed at Bayla and directed profanities at the UP player. He repeated the gesture and verbal outburst during the postgame handshake.
The Ateneo coach also engaged in a heated exchange with UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon despite efforts by members of the opposing coaching staff to calm the situation. The UAAP Commissioner’s Office ruled that Alas’ actions heightened tensions and threatened to trigger a physical confrontation between the two teams.
The league also cited an earlier violation committed by Alas during Ateneo’s October 17 game against UST.
With 5:15 left in the third quarter, Alas attempted to distract UST’s Amiel Acido while the latter was taking a corner three-pointer. After Acido made the shot, Alas touched the player’s back. Although game officials did not catch the incident, the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the footage and imposed a penalty under UAAP rules and FIBA regulations.
Alas had previously served a one-game suspension on October 10 after accumulating three infractions. Under UAAP House Rules, his infraction count was reset to two following the completion of that suspension.
Before the start of the second round, the league had issued a memorandum reminding coaches to avoid confrontations with opposing players and to observe the principles of sportsmanship, respect and fair play.
Ateneo has the option to appeal the two-game suspension. (Adrian Co)
