Upon careful review by the league, Thirdy Ravena of the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles has been handed a one-game suspension by the UAAP.
Ravena’s suspension was due to throwing a closed fist at Paul Desiderio last October 14 during the Blue Eagles’ 83-66 triumph over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
With 1:26 left in the opening frame of that said game, Ravena collided with Desiderio as the two were going down the floor. No foul was called.
“Sa review namin, Thirdy threw a closed fist kay Desiderio. Kitang kita naman na nag-flex at may buwelo,” said a UAAP official, who asked to remain anonymous.
According to executive director Rebo Saguisag, the league has the power to review plays and, if need be, impose sanctions.
Ravena has said that he has apologized to Desiderio.
Galit kayo sakin dahil “sinapak” ko si Paul. Nagsorry parin ako sa kanya tapos sabi niya sakin na okay lang, kasama sa laro yun. Totoo naman. Check niyo nalang rin kung ano nangyari pagpasa sakin ni Tyler ng bola. ? Am I mad or am I complaining? Nope. Im just saying. Peace. ✌? https://t.co/Xc9CHrCor2
— Thirdy (@ThirdyRavenaaa) October 14, 2018
With this, Ravena – who is averaging 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game – will be disqualified from winning any of the individual awards. The two-time All-UAAP team member will serve his suspension on Saturday when Ateneo take on the Far Eastern University Tamaraws.
For his second disqualifying foul of the season, Arvin Tolentino of FEU will be slapped with a two-game ban.
Last Sunday, Tolentino – who had just come off a one-game suspension – was called for a disqualifying foul against Zachy Huang with 15 seconds left in their 70-78 loss to the UST Growling Tigers.
“Second offense na niya kaya more than one game,” said the source.
Tolentino, who is FEU’s leading scorer at 11.7 points per game, will serve his suspension on Saturday against Ateneo and on Wednesday against UP.
Finally, Javi Gomez de Liano of UP was served with a one-game ban as well for picking up two technical fouls against Ateneo.
The third-year forward was handed his first technical of the game with 8:44 left in the third canto. Midway through the final frame, he confronted a game official and was subsequently ejected.
He will not be around UP take on the UE Red Warriors on Sunday.
