UP’s Torres Escapes suspension

MANILA, Philippines — University of the Philippines will have a full-strength army in a bid to topple the kingdom of reigning champion La Salle in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball finals tomorrow at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Maroons forward Reyland Torres evaded suspension due to the nature of his second unsportsmanlike foul (UF) that led to his ejection in Game 2, making him eligible for Game 3.

In a statement, the UAAP clarified that although Torres was ejected from the match, his second unsportsmanlike foul did not fall under a harsh category that could warrant a suspension.

His first UF was a hard contact on EJ Gollena in the 5:33 mark of the third quarter.

Torres, in an effort to stop a La Salle fastbreak in the last 2:58 mark of the tightrope game, got another unsportsmanlike foul for clear path that only falls under Category 4 of the FIBA rules.

“Because of the nature of the second foul, Torres will be eligible to play in Game 3,” the UAAP said.

Torres’ availability will serve as a shot in the arm for the Maroons, who wasted a big lead in the waning minutes for a devastating 76-75 defeat in Game 2.