In a highly-physical game that had three UV players ejected from the game, the Doves survived a forfeited game, 93-78, to arrange a title clash with the UE Warriors, who had a trouble-free 104-72 victory over reigning NCAA champion San Sebastian College in the other semifinal.
Michael Etrata, Ronald Bucao and Juniem Cabanes were all thrown out of the game for unsportsmanlike conduct after initiating a series of fights in the match, forcing tournament director Bong Pascual to forfeit the game in the Doves’ favor with still 1:29 left in the game.
The incident also prompted organizers, led by Region IV director and BAP deputy secretary-general Jun Lavadia, to sanction UV and ban the three players from playing in the Lancers’ battle for third against the SSC Stags.
UE and St. Francis clash for the crown at 7:30 p.m. on Friday.
BAP secretary-general Graham Lim also condemned the incident, and cited the failure of UV coach Elmer Cabahug to control his players.
"Coach Cabahug should be blamed for this incident for failing to control his players, which is his responsibility. He’s not setting a good example to his players considering that this is a national tournament," said Lim.
Al Vergara finished with 18 points to lead the Doves, while Irwin Sotto and Ranidel De Ocampo added 12 apiece.
Jayford Rodriguez led UV with 17 and Neil Raneses had 10.
The Warriors, the reigning Battle of Champions titleholder, were led by James Yap with 24, while Paul Artadi added 15, and Nino Canaleta chipped in 14.
They will be looking to stop the SFAC Doves from annexing a fourth straight crown in the annual tournament jointly organized by the BAP and the provincial government of Albay under the auspices of Gov. Al Francis Bichara and supported by Cebuana Lhuillier, Absolute, Burlington, Molten, Healthy Options, and YKL Color Films.
In the battle for honors in the high school division, it will be San Beda going up against reigning champions UV Baby Lancers in the 5:30 p.m. schedule.