With 4 players, Generals to forfeit match vs Altas

MANILA, Philippines - Left with less than five players following the massive suspensions triggered by Wednesday’s free-for-all, Emilio Aguinaldo College and Mapua will be forced to forfeit their games in the 90th NCAA men’s basketball tournament at The Arena in San Juan City.

The Generals are expected to give up their match to the Perpetual Help Altas in their scheduled 9 a.m. match today with only Jerald Serrano, Christ Mejos, Ai Indin and Jozhua General available to play following the sacking of their nine other teammates in the aftermath of the tumultuous EAC-Mapua clash that ended in a free-for-all last Wednesday.

“They are facing possible forfeiture if they cannot come up with five players to start the game,” said NCAA Management Committee chair Paul Supan of host Jose Rizal U in a statement yesterday.

Sacked for EAC were John Tayongtong (five games), Jan Jamon (3), Ariel Aguilar (3), Jack Arquero (3), Sydney Onwubere (3), John Santos (2), Manelle Quilanita (2), Edsel Saludo (2) and Faustine Pascual (1).

The Generals actually still have two other players eligible to play but Cameroonian Noube Happi and Igee King have recently left the team due to personal reasons.

It marks the first time that the league will see a forfeiture after San Beda’s win over College of St. Benilde was nullified due to wrong uniform worn by Nigerian Sam Ekwe six years ago.

The league also forfeited former member Phl Christian U’s game against San Beda after the two engaged in another fracas 12 years ago.

The Generals’ impending forfeiture will drop them to 4-13 while boosting the Altas’ Final Four bid to 10-6.

EAC, however, will be able to suit up in its last game against San Sebastian although with just five players as Faustine Pascual is set to return from a one-game suspension.

For Mapua, it will also forfeit its game against Letran on Monday since it is also left with four players in CJ Isit, Joseph Eriobu, Jessie Saitanan and Jeson Cantos.

Suspended were Leo Gabo (4 games), Jomari Tubiano (3), Justin Serrano (2), James Galoso (2), Exeqiel Biteng (2), Andrew Estrella (2), Jerome Canaynay (1), Ronnel Villasenor (1) and Darrel Magsigay (1).

Meanwhile, the other seniors match set at 1 p.m. pits ousted teams Lyceum and San Sebastian.