NCAA board to decide on Baculi’s suspension today

Defending champion Philippine Christian University’s bid for the other twice-to-beat advantage in the NCAA’s Final Four could hit a snag with the possibility of coach Junel Baculi getting suspended for misconduct during the Dolphins’ game against the San Sebastian Stags last week.

The NCAA Management Committee chaired by Fr. Vic Calvo, OP, of Letran will meet today to decide on the recommendation of commissioner Joe Lipa to suspend Baculi for one game.

"Mancom decides on Monday regarding coach Baculi’s case," Calvo said.

If suspended, Baculi, caught on television hiding a dirty finger on his back, will miss the Dolphins’ crucial game Wednesday against the Mapua Cardinals, and a loss could deal a big blow to the Taft-based dribblers’ bid for the crucial semifinal incentive.

Letran already sealed the first one with 11 wins and a loss while PCU, Mapua and San Sebastian are still at it with 9-3, 8-4, 7-5 records, respectively.

To end the dilemma, the Dolphins must sweep their remaining two games including their much-awaited showdown with the Knights on Friday.

But a loss, or worse two straight defeats, would open the possibility of a two-way tie either between PCU and Mapua or PCU and San Sebastian. The ties will be resolved through a playoff.

Meanwhile, Season 81 action resumes today with a pair of non-bearing matches pitting San Beda against Jose Rizal at 2 p.m. and Perpetual Help versus St. Benilde at 4 p.m. at the Astrodome.

Already out of the Final Four race, the Altas and the Blazers, both possessing 5-8 slates, hope to end their campaign at fifth place while the Red Lions and Bombers, with 3-10 and 2-11 cards, respectively, fight for seventh place.