Ateneo’s Upcoming Adamson and UST Games Set for Coaching Change
Ateneo will play two UAAP Season 89 games without head coach Louie Alas following another disciplinary ruling Monday. The two-game suspension covers Ateneo’s upcoming contests against Adamson University and University of Santo Tomas at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UAAP Suspends Louie Alas for Two Ateneo Games
The UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office imposed the suspension following accumulated infractions and Alas’ conduct after Ateneo’s November 7 loss. One Sports reported the ruling, which sidelines Alas against Adamson on November 11 and UST on November 15.
Both games are scheduled at SMART Araneta Coliseum as Ateneo continues its UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball campaign. The ruling marks Alas’ second suspension this season after he previously served a one-game penalty during the first round.
Image from: GMA Network
Alas Will Miss Adamson and UST Matchups
Alas will serve the first game against Adamson before completing his suspension four days later against the Growling Tigers. Ateneo can appeal the Commissioner’s Office decision, but the announced ruling schedules Alas to miss both upcoming contests.
UP Incident Adds to Alas’ Season 89 Infractions
According to the UAAP, Alas entered the playing court during the first quarter of Ateneo’s November 7 game against UP. The incident occurred with 3:55 remaining after Alas protested a non-call and remained on court despite a referee’s warning.
Officials subsequently assessed Alas a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior, adding another infraction to his Season 89 disciplinary record. That violation followed an earlier infraction from Ateneo’s October 17 game against University of Santo Tomas.
Court Entry Results in Unsportsmanlike Technical
The UAAP said Alas remained on the playing court after the nearest referee instructed him to return toward Ateneo’s sideline. Officials then assessed the technical foul, which contributed toward the accumulated infractions behind one game of his latest suspension.
Earlier UST Incident Contributes to Infraction Count
The Commissioner’s Office also cited an October 17 incident involving Alas and UST player Amiel Acido during their first-round meeting. According to the league, Alas attempted to distract Acido while the Growling Tiger prepared a corner three-pointer during the third quarter.
The UAAP said Alas touched Acido’s back after the UST player converted the attempt with 5:15 remaining that quarter. Game officials missed the sequence before the Commissioner’s Office reviewed it and imposed disciplinary action under applicable league regulations.
Alas Previously Served One-Game Suspension
Alas had already served a one-game suspension on October 10 after accumulating three infractions earlier during the Season 89 tournament. Under UAAP House Rules, his infraction count reset to two after completing that suspension before subsequent incidents occurred.
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Post-Game Conduct Leads to Second Suspension Game
The second game of Alas’ suspension resulted from the Commissioner’s Office findings concerning his conduct after Ateneo’s November 7 loss. With less than one second remaining, the UAAP said Alas entered the court following Jacob Bayla’s late dunk for UP.
The league said Alas pointed and cursed at Bayla before repeating similar conduct during the teams’ post-game handshake afterward. The UAAP also reported an exchange involving Alas and UP assistant Christian Luanzon while Fighting Maroons coaches attempted to intervene.
UAAP Reviews Exchange Following Ateneo-UP Game
The Commissioner’s Office determined that Alas’ actions escalated tensions between both programs and risked creating a potential altercation afterward. Before the second round, coaches had received a memorandum emphasizing sportsmanship while instructing them to avoid altercations with opposing players.
Ateneo Can Appeal Two-Game Suspension
Ateneo retains the option to appeal the Commissioner’s Office decision following the announcement of Alas’ latest two-game suspension Monday. The ruling otherwise places Ateneo without its head coach against Adamson and UST during its continuing Season 89 schedule.
The suspension follows separate disciplinary findings involving the October 17 UST game and November 7 matchup against the Fighting Maroons. It also follows Alas’ previous one-game suspension, creating another stretch where Ateneo must compete without its head coach courtside.
Blue Eagles Prepare for Games Without Alas
Ateneo’s announced schedule places Adamson first on November 11 before the Blue Eagles face UST four days later. Both games remain scheduled at SMART Araneta Coliseum while the two-game suspension stands under the Commissioner’s Office ruling.
Analytical Breakdown: Ateneo Faces Crucial Test Without Coach
Ateneo’s coaching absence matters most during high-pressure possessions requiring immediate adjustments, clear substitutions, and organized late-game decision-making. Disciplined teams handle sideline disruptions better when players already understand defensive coverages, offensive responsibilities, and communication expectations. Ateneo must maintain emotional control and coaching continuity because further distractions could become costly during its demanding Season 89 stretch.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many games was Louie Alas suspended?
The UAAP handed Ateneo head coach Louie Alas a two-game suspension following accumulated infractions and post-game conduct.
Which Ateneo games will Louie Alas miss?
Alas is scheduled to miss Ateneo’s November 11 game against Adamson and November 15 matchup against UST.
Why was Louie Alas suspended?
The UAAP suspension followed accumulated infractions and league findings concerning Alas’ conduct during and after the November 7 UP game.
Was Louie Alas previously suspended this season?
Yes, Alas previously served a one-game suspension on October 10 after accumulating three infractions under UAAP House Rules.
Can Ateneo appeal the suspension?
Yes, Ateneo de Manila University can appeal the Commissioner’s Office decision imposing the latest two-game suspension on Alas.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Tiebreaker Times.
