NCAA slams on-line betting; Lions stun Dolphins

The National Collegiate Athletic Association policy board yesterday denounced the on-line betting currently being conducted by the Philippine Gaming Corp. via the internet.

In fact, Management Committee chair Fr. Vic Calvo, O.P. of host Letran, said they are going to meet with the participating school presidents and heads on Thursday to discuss the possibility of sending Pagcor a protest letter against internet betting.

"This is something we will not tolerate," said Calvo referring to the on-line betting on the website basketballjackpot.net where anyone can place his bet via the internet in collegiate leagues like the NCAA and the UAAP.

But a visit on the website last night flashed a message, saying "the page has been removed, or had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable."

"Anybody in grade school can access the website, and we can’t allow that," Calvo added.

Agents of the National Bureau of Investigation watched the games at the Astrodome yesterday as part of the ongoing investigation on alleged game irregularities in coordination with the NCAA, headed by Fr. Edwin Lao, O.P. of Letran.

Calvo said the NCAA has earlier undergone drug-testing procedure even before the season started as part of the league‘s effort to make it drug-free.

Meanwhile, Koy Banal made a good account of himself on his first game as coach of San Beda as he steered the Red Lions to a 78-72 victory over the Philippine Christian U Dolphins to keep their flickering Final Four bid alive in the 81st NCAA basketball tournament.

Needing no less than a sweep of the second round elims to make it to the semifinals, the Red Lions came out roaring and went on to post their second win in eight games. Banal took over the coaching chores from Nash Racela last week.

"I have to give credit to coach Nash Racela, wala akong ginawa dito," said Banal, whose wards will take on San Sebastian College on Friday.

It was PCU’s second straight setback after sweeping their first six games.

Earlier, San Sebastian drew big games from the troika of Leo Najorda, Red Vicente and Jim Viray as it smashed St. Benilde, 63-49, to seize solo fourth place with a 4-4 (win-loss) record.

Najorda, Vicente and Viray each scored 14 points that sent the Blazers to No. 5 with a fifth loss against three triumphs.

It was also Najorda’s first game since serving out a one-game suspension in a loss to Jose Rizal last week.

The 2003 MVP was suspended for a flagrant foul against Perpetual Help in a game San Sebastian won in overtime two weeks back.