Colegio de San Juan de Letran will be without two of its key players when the two-time defending champions take on San Beda University in a rivalry match on Friday in the NCAA Season 98 men's basketball tournament.
This after big man Louie Sangalang and gunner Brent Paraiso were each slapped with one-game suspensions after getting ejected during their 67-62 escape of Mapua University last Tuesday.
In a statement, league commissioner Tonichi Pujante said Paraiso was found guilty of intentionally hitting Mapua's Rence Nocum after a thorough review by the game officials. Paraiso was ejected from the game halfway through the fourth quarter after an incident with Nocum that saw him throw an elbow at the back of the latter's head.
According to Pujante, said action was an act of violence and "not a legitimate basketball play".
Meanwhile, Sangalang will also miss the much-awaited game against the Red Lions after committing two technical fouls in the win over the Cardinals. The animated slotman was whistled for his second technical for a taunting violation with 13 seconds left in the game.
Both actions by Sangalang and Paraiso warrant a one-game suspension per the league rule.
"I hope I've enlightened everyone and to the parties concerned, please be proficient on the rules first before uttering baseless accusations on the Game Officials and the Commissioner's Office," said Pujante.
"I strongly denounce violence in any form in and outside the playing venue. Rest assured I've addressed this with utmost objectivity and compassion."
—JMB, GMA News
