NCAA suspends erring Pascual

MANILA, Philippines - NCAA commissioner Joe Lipa said San Sebastian’s Ronald Pascual will serve the one-game suspension on Saturday when the Stags face off with the Letran Knights at the start of the NCAA Final Four.

Pascual, a vital cog in SSC’s title drive, was tossed out right in the first quarter for a disqualifying foul after figuring in a shoving match with San Beda’s Rome dela Rosa in the Stags’ 69-55 rout of the Red Lions last Monday.

A disqualifying foul, based on league rules, merits an automatic one-game suspension. It also disqualifies a player from receiving any individual awards.

“As per league rule yes he will have to serve it,” Lipa told The STAR yesterday.

SSC coach Allan Trinidad, however, said they will appeal the decision through athletic director Frank Gusi with hopes of downgrading the disqualifying foul to a regular flagrant foul.

“We will definitely appeal it,” said Trinidad.

The Stags, who finished at No. 2 after the double round elims, enjoy a twice-to-beat against the Knights but the Recoletos-based squad will still need Pascual when it clashes with Letran on Saturday.

“Ronald Pascual is an integral part of this team, we will need him against Letran so that’s why we’re relying on the appeal to prosper,” added Trinidad.

Meanwhile, after blowing his bid for back-to-back MVPs, Calvin Abueva has set his sights on helping San Sebastian College win the coveted NCAA men’s basketball crown.

“That’s all I want, to help this team win a championship,” said Abueva after dishing out another MVP performance of 23 points and 16 rebounds in the Stags’ 69-55 rout of the San Beda Red Lions last Monday.