UAAP board rejects UST's protest against Ateneo

UAAP Board of Trustees members Junel Baculi from National University and Henry Atayde from De La Salle University released a letter Thursday, saying the board has turned down University of Santo Tomas' appeal for a review of their protest against the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles. "After careful review and deliberation, the technical committee upholds the decision, and thereby the protest is denied," said Baculi. "These were judgment calls, therefore not subject to protest." "While these calls were technical in nature, these calls requires judgment," read Baculi from the letter. UST put under protest two moments of their 68-66 loss to Ateneo from last Saturday. The first, that a late block by Karim Abdul on a lay-up by Ryan Buenafe not be called a goaltend, and second, that ADMU head coach Norman Black was not given a technical foul for crossing the halfcourt mark while arguing with referees.    "It's what the commissioner decided," said Atayde. "As opposed to the case of FEU-NU, this call was reviewable." Before the letter was released, UST coach Pido Jarencio lashed out at the referee's decisions during the games. "Bakit pa tayo may house rules kung hindi ii-implement?" he asked. "I'm not against Ateneo, but I just want the rules to be enforced." UAAP Commissioner Ato Badolato rejected UST's complaints Monday, but UST opted to elevate their protest to the UAAP board. As a result of the board's decision, Ateneo officially locks up the top spot after the elimination round with a 12-2 record. UST win's earlier against UE gave them a 10-4 card, but a win by FEU over NU on Sunday would result in a playoff against the Growling Tigers for the second seed and the twice-to-beat advantage that comes with it.  - AMD, GMA News