UE’s Abanto suspended one game for Navarro hit

University of the East (UE) forward Nick Abanto will be suspended for one game after he hit Ateneo de Manila University's Will Navarro during a rebound play at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on October 20, the UAAP announced on Tuesday.

With 6:33 left in the first quarter, Abanto swung his left arm and hit Navarro's head during the rebound battle.

UAAP basketball commissioner Jensen Ilagan has upgraded the non-call to an unsportsmanlike foul after a thorough review by the tournament's technical group.

"Upon  multiple reviews of the incident, we saw that there was intent by Mr.  Abanto to hit Mr. Navarro that causing him to fall and eventually be  carried off the playing court," Ilagan said in a statement.

"The action was unprovoked and his intention to hurt was apparent. Therefore, an  unsportsmanlike foul shall be assessed against him," he added.

Abanto was also called for another unsportsmanlike foul with 2:03 left in the game, this time during a scuffle against Blue Eagle Geo Chiu.

According to  article 4.3 of the UAAP Basketball Rules, "The Commissioner has the  power to impose additional penalties. This power may be exercised to  non-calls but involve abhorrent acts in nature, including, but not  limited to, flagrant unsportsmanlike fouls, and conduct that involves  dangerous and dirty tactics and supported by the official video."

Ilagan also called on all student-athletes to be "mindful of their actions both on and off the court."

"We  call on all student-athletes to always keep in mind the safety and  welfare not just of their teammates but also their opponents. Though the  spirit of sports is competition, the ultimate goal is to build  comradery among everyone," he said.

Abanto finished the game with 6 markers, 2 rebounds and an assist in their 50-84 loss against Ateneo. UE was eliminated from Final Four contention.

Abanto will be suspended for UE's game against the Far Eastern University on Sunday, October 27, while Navarro still remains under observation for possible concussion. —NB, GMA News