The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has ruled the opening-day win of Mapua University over San Beda University as a forfeit after the Cardinals were found to have fielded an ineligible player in Gab Gamboa.
In a memorandum, the NCAA management committee has already informed league commissioner Tonichi Pujante of its decision to forfeit the Cardinals' 66-55 victory over the Red Lions last September 10.
In effect, Mapua, whose record stood at 1-5, will drop to a winless 0-6 slate while San Beda, who improved to 3-2 just last Friday against Colegio de San Juan de Letran, will now have a 4-1 slate.
"The ManCom, after investigation, found out that Mapua University (MU) player Mr. Gabriel Dan Gamboa, who played last 10 September against San Beda University (SBU) where MU won, was ineligible to play," the letter read.
"In view thereof, as a penalty, for such a violation, MU forfeits its game against SBU. SBU, therefore, won that game."
Pujante added that Gamboa has been banned from playing in the NCAA for life.
Gamboa was still enrolled in St. Clare College of Caloocan, where he played for when the school ruled the recent NAASCU edition last June, when he suited up in the opening game.
He finished with two points and one rebound in seven minutes and 30 seconds of play in their 66-55 victory.
—JMB, GMA News
