Metro Manila, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas faces a two-game suspension for accumulated infractions and unsportsmanlike conduct after the Blue Eagles’ game against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons on Nov. 7 in the second round of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
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Alas will sit out Ateneo’s match on Nov. 11 against the Adamson University Soaring Falcons at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and on Nov. 15 against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers at the same venue.
The suspension stemmed from an incident during Ateneo’s game against UP when Alas entered the court to complain about a non-call with 3:55 left in the first quarter and remained on the playing floor despite a warning to return to the sideline. He was slapped with a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
Alas’s first infraction happened during Ateneo’s game against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers on Oct. 17.
At the 5:15 mark of the third quarter, Alas attempted to distract UST’s Amiel Acido as he attempted a corner three-pointer. After Acido converted the shot, Alas touched Acido’s back.
Although the incident was not caught by 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 Oct. 10 after accumulating three infractions, with his count reset to two following the first suspension.
The second game of his latest suspension stemmed from his conduct after the Nov. 7 game against UP.
With less than a second remaining, Alas entered the court and pointed and cursed at UP’s Jacob Bayla following his dunk. He again pointed at and cursed at Bayla during the post-game handshake.
Alas also figured in a heated exchange with UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon despite attempts by the UP coaching staff to pacify him.
The Commissioner’s Office ruled that his actions escalated tensions between the two teams and risked a potential altercation.
Ateneo can appeal the decision.
