Coachless Blazers face Altas today

St. Benilde, the beleaguered defending champion, will miss head coach Dong Vergeire for the second straight game today when it goes up against dangerous Perpetual Help while Letran takes on Mapua in the 77th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

The Blazers, who won last year’s title at the expense of San Sebastian, have lost their last two games, including a 60-66 decision against the Cardinals Saturday when Vergeire served out the first of a three-game suspension slapped on him by commissioner Filomeno "Boy" Codiñera.

Vergeire was suspended for his misconduct in his team’s overtime victory over San Beda last July 14. Vergeire was thrown out after drawing two straight technical fouls in the second quarter of that game but was later found to have continued coaching from near the exit leading to their dugout.

Codiñera said Vergeire was supposed to have been slapped just a game suspension and a P20,000 fine. "But since we found the amount too stiff, we just decided to give him a three-game suspension instead of the maximum of five. If he wants to appeal his case, he can do it before the board," said the commissioner.

After winning their first two games, the Blazers absorbed their first loss this season at the hands of the PCU Dolphins, 68-64, last Thursday and with Vergeire still around. His suspension was handed down only last Saturday, shortly before his team went up against the Cardinals.

The Knights, behind the explosive performances of rookie Ismael Junio and veteran Harold Sta. Cruz, have won their last three games for a 3-1 record, good for solo second behind pacesetting Jose Rizal at 4-0. The Cardinals are even at 2-2 in a tie with the Stags and the Blazers.