Ateneo-Pioneer seeks semis vs La Salle-Osaka

The Philippine Basketball League Challenge Cup resumes today after a brief break with Ateneo-Pioneer seeking an outright slot in the semifinals versus La Salle-Osaka Iridology at the Makati Coliseum.

Ateneo-Pioneer gained a big break with ace player Enrico Villanueva spared of suspension on his unsportsmanlike act on their 78-59 win over Pharmaquick last Dec. 28.

The STAR tried to reach PBL commissioner Chino Trinidad and other league top officials yesterday, but they were out of their office. PBL Media Relations officer Christopher Castro, however, said he has yet to see any sanction by the Commissioner’s Office on Villanueva.

Ateneo-Pioneer management has made its own move, fining Villanueva an amount of P10,000 for elbowing Nuranjam Alfad in a rebound battle in their Dec. 28 game.

It will be noted that Welcoat Paint’s Celino Cruz was fined and suspended for three games in mid-December for committing practically the same infraction.

Villanueva and his teammates face the Iridologists in a crucial encounter today at 5:30 p.m. Mapua and Jose Rizal earlier clash at 3:30 p.m. at the resumption of PYBL action. – Joey Villar