Norwood, Mercado suspended, fined

Rain or Shine prolific rookies Gabe Norwood and Sol Mercado drew severe sanctions for their misconduct Wednesday, putting the Elasto Painters in a dilemma as they try to even things up with the Sta. Lucia Realtors in their KFC PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinal showdown at the Astrodome tonight.

Both players were fined P20,000 and sacked for one game with Norwood serving his suspension as the Elasto Painters try to avoid elimination in Game Two.

Sta. Lucia outclassed Rain or Shine, 101-84, in a game that nearly ended in a free-for-all last Wednesday as the Realtors zeroed in on the Final Four berth.

Mercado, whose flagrant foul penalty 1 infraction was upgraded to penalty 2 by commissioner Sonny Barrios, will serve his suspension in their next game - Game Three or their first game in the Fiesta Conference.

Sta. Lucia’s Marlou Aquino was also suspended for one game and fined P20,000 while Joseph Yeo and Ryan Arana were slapped a P10,000 fine each and Bitoy Omolon P1,000 for their involvement in the melee.

“While we encourage teams and players from giving their 100 percent and play with passion, they must do so within the confines of the rules. They must keep their emotion in check. I’m looking forward to an interesting games for the rest of the tourney,” said Barrios.

San Miguel Beer also tries to end its own quarterfinal duel with sister team Barangay Ginebra in the first game today.

“It’s still anybody’s game. Rain or Shine is still dangerous even without Norwood,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez, trying to downplay their chances against a youth-laden rival minus a key player the rest of the series.

“It’s a big loss for us but I hope the boys will be up to the challenge. We just have to focus more on the game than the officiating,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.