Lions get 20-day TRO extension

San Beda has secured a 20-day extension of the court order disallowing the NCAA Policy Board from imposing its three-game suspension on Red Lion star forward Yousif Aljamal.

Fr. Mateo de Jesus, OSB, who recently replaced Fr. Anscar Chopungco, OSB, as San Beda rector and president, made the announcement, saying the Manila Regional Trial Court approved their appeal to extend the 72-hour TRO (temporary restraining order) which expired yesterday.

“We’re happy with the development,” said De Jesus on the TRO extension guaranteeing Aljamal’s continued stint with the Lions at least until Sept. 14.

It allows Aljamal to play for San Beda against Perpetual Help Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan.

The Manila RTC has set another meeting Tuesday with the league, headed by Vince Fabella of Jose Rizal, to explain their position on the issue.

It will be the second hearing in five days since the league’s legal group led by Jose Manuel Diokno III attended one Friday.

The Management Committee chaired by Paul Supan also of Jose Rizal said that it will consult with the Policy Board and league counsels first before making an official statement.

The recent development could pave the way for a long legal battle between the league and San Beda, which is already assured of a place in the top two at the close of the double-round eliminations.

The Lions clinched a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four following an 82-74 win over Jose Rizal Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the league reprimanded coaches Frankie Lim of San Beda and Ariel Vanguardia of Jose Rizal for their misconduct during and after their emotional game Wednesday.

Lim and Vanguardia nearly figured in a fistfight after the game.

“They were issued stern warning, commissioner Chito (Narvasa) will issue written forms next week,” said Mancom member Henry Atayde of St. Benilde.

Atayde said another offense by the two coaches would mean suspension.

Lim accused Vanguardia of ordering his players to deliberately play rough on the Lions citing three flagrant fouls slapped on the Bombers.

The third – a clothesline tackle by Alvin Se on Rogemar Menor with a minute to go in the third quarter – nearly triggered a brawl between the two teams as Lim charged into Jose Rizal’s bench.

“Isn’t it obvious that they’re hurting my players? I can’t just allow them to do that,” Lim told The STAR.