Ateneo coach Louie Alas slapped with 2-game ban

TENSION. Ateneo coach Louie Alas confronts UP player Jacob Bayla after the game.

UAAP

The suspension of Ateneo head coach Louie Alas comes at a critical juncture as the fifth-running Blue Eagles chase a UAAP Final Four spot

AT A GLANCE

• Ateneo head coach Louie Alas has been suspended for two games due to unsportsmanlike conduct and two infractions during a recent game against UP.
• The suspension will affect upcoming games against Adamson and UST, crucial for Ateneo's chances of making the UAAP Final Four.
• Alas has a history of infractions, including a previous automatic suspension last month, and Ateneo has the option to appeal the current suspension.

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MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo’s woes continue amid a crucial stretch in the Blue Eagles’ UAAP men’s basketball Final Four chase.

The UAAP suspended Ateneo head coach Louie Alas for two games “following the accumulation of two infractions” and his “unsportsmanlike conduct,” the league said in a statement on Monday, November 9.

Alas will serve his suspension on Wednesday, November 11, when the Blue Eagles battle the Adamson Falcons, and on Sunday, November 15, when they take on the UST Growling Tigers.

The penalty stemmed from two incidents involving Alas during a tense matchup last Saturday, November 7, where the Maroons outlasted the Blue Eagles, 82-74.

Right at the buzzer, Alas confronted the UP side before cooler heads stepped in to prevent the situation from escalating.

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

The league said the Ateneo mentor 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.” 

Prior to the end-game commotion, Alas entered the court at the 3:55 mark of the first quarter, complaining about a non-call. 

Alas “remained on the playing court despite being warned by the nearest referee to return to the sideline,” the league said. 

He was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior during the game.

The UAAP cited another Alas infraction during Ateneo’s loss to UST, 80-68, 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,” the statement said.

“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.”

Alas’ suspension comes at a crucial time as the Blue Eagles, running fifth with a 5-6 record, try to chase a Final Four spot with just three games left in the second round. 

Ateneo can appeal the suspension. 

Last October, Alas also served an automatic one-game suspension after accumulating three infractions. – Rappler.com