UAAP says Ateneo’s Alas ‘pointed, cursed’ at UP’s Bayla, hands 2-game ban

Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas vs. University of the Philippines in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — The UAAP has handed Ateneo de Manila University head coach Louie Alas a two-game suspension following the altercation that came after the Blue Eagles’ 82-74 loss to University of the Philippines on Saturday.

This marks the second time that the veteran mentor has been suspended in UAAP Season 89. The latest sanction stemmed from the postgame spat, where the league said Alas “pointed” and “cursed” at UP forward Jacob Bayla, along with the incident involving UP deputy coach Christian Luanzon.

“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,” the UAAP said in a statement. “He again pointed at and cursed at the UP player during the post-game handshake.”

“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,” the league added.

The UAAP also cited an incident at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter of the same Ateneo-UP match, which accounted for another infraction.

“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 league said.

Another infraction was recorded during Ateneo’s game against UST on 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 UAAP said.

Alas previously served a one-game suspension on October 10 after accumulating three infractions. His infraction count was reset to two following that suspension, in accordance with UAAP House Rules.

With the latest sanction, Alas will miss two crucial games as the 5-6 Blue Eagles continue their Final Four hunt. He will serve his suspension when Ateneo faces Adamson University on November 11 and UST on November 15.

Ateneo can still appeal the decision.