Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas has been handed a two-game suspension by the UAAP basketball commissioner’s office following a series of infractions, including his unsportsmanlike conduct during and after the Blue Eagles’ game against the University of the Philippines last Saturday.
Alas will serve the suspension in Ateneo’s next two games against Adamson University on Wednesday and the University of Santo Tomas on Sunday. Both games will be played at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
One game of the suspension stems from an incident during Ateneo’s game against UP, when Alas entered the playing court at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter to protest a non-call.
Despite being warned by the nearest referee to return to the sideline, the veteran tactician remained on the court and was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
The other game was imposed for his actions following the November 7 contest.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
With less than a second remaining, Alas entered the court, pointed and cursed at UP’s Jacob Bayla following his dunk. He repeated the gesture and directed more profanities at Bayla during the post-game handshake.
Alas also engaged in an exchange with UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon, despite attempts by members of the Fighting Maroons coaching staff to pacify him.
According to the Commissioner’s Office, Alas’ actions escalated tensions between the two teams and risked triggering a potential altercation.
The Ateneo head coach also incurred an infraction during the Blue Eagles’ October 17 encounter with UST.
At the 5:15 mark of the third quarter, Alas attempted to distract Growling Tigers guard Amiel Acido as he took a corner three-pointer. After Acido converted the shot, Alas touched the back of the UST player.
Although the incident was not caught by the 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 October 10 after accumulating three infractions. Under UAAP House Rules, his infraction count was reset to two following the completion of that suspension.
Ateneo can still appeal the decision.
