UAAP: Louie Alas handed two-game suspension after Ateneo-UP late-game tension

The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office handed Ateneo Blue Eagles head coach Louie Alas a two-game suspension for accumulating two infractions and displaying unsportsmanlike conduct following the Ateneo-UP game last Saturday.

In a decision announced on Monday, the Commissioner’s Office said one of the infractions committed by Alas occurred during the first quarter of their game against the Fighting Maroons last Saturday.

“Alas entered the court to complain about a non-call and remained on the playing court despite being warned by the nearest referee to return to the sideline. He was subsequently assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior,” the UAAP said.

The other infraction, meanwhile, occurred during their game against the University of Santo Tomas last October 17.

“At the 5:15 mark of the third quarter, he attempted to distract UST’s Amiel Acido as the latter attempted a corner three-pointer. After Acido converted the shot, Alas touched the back of the UST player. Although the incident was missed 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.”

The two incidents constituted Alas’ first game suspension.

Alas was given a one-game suspension last October 10 for three bench infractions, with the count reset to two following the first suspension, according to league rules.

The second game suspension, meanwhile, was imposed for his conduct at the end of the Ateneo-UP game last Saturday, when he was seen shouting at Jacob Bayla after the latter made a dunk.

“With less than a second remaining, Alas entered the court, pointed at UP’s Jacob Bayla, and cursed at him following the latter’s dunk. He again pointed at and cursed at the UP player during the post-game handshake,” the UAAP said.

“Alas also engaged in an exchange with UP assistant coach Christian Luanzon despite attempts by UP coaches to pacify him. The Commissioner’s Office determined that his actions escalated tensions between the two teams and risked a potential altercation.”

READ MORE | Ateneo's Louie Alas, UP's Bayla, Luanzon address late-game exchange

Alas will serve his suspensions on November 11, when Ateneo faces Adamson University, and on November 15, against the University of Santo Tomas.

—JKC, GMA News