"The protest was denied because the committee deemed it was a judgment call by the referees," said technical committee head Ricky Palou after their meeting at the Casa Español in Manila. "Protests are upheld if it involves technical matters."
Palou said the decision was unanimous with La Salle’s Ramoncito Campos, a member of the technical group, concurring with the decision. Other members of the committee are Adamson’s Ric Matibag, UE’s Brenn Perez, UP’s Kiko Diaz and Santo Tomas’ Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P.
La Salle team manager Manny Salgado said they would abide by the decision of the technical committee.
Only the board, composed of top officials and president of all eight participating schools and universities, Salgado stressed, can suspend or sanction erring officials.
De La Salle protested what it deemed were non-calls by the referees on goal-tending violation on OJ Cua’s attempt in the second quarter and Cholo Villanueva’s shot in the third quarter.
UP also protested against De La Salle after Cua wore a uniform that did not bear his official number during their match also at the Blue Eagle Gym last Thursday. Cua wore jersey No. 22 instead of his official No. 16.
It was moot and academic though, according to Palou, because the Maroons won the game, 61-56.
Meanwhile, last year’s runner-up Far Eastern U guns for a share of the lead with UP as it clashes with a resurgent Ateneo side at resumption of the 68th UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum today.
Gametime is set at 4 p.m.
The other match set at 2 p.m. pits UST versus Adamson. — Joey Villar