Louie Gonzales spared of suspension

MANILA, Philippines — Jose Rizal University got a reprieve from the league as it was granted its appeal to have its coach Louie Gonzales spared of suspension.

Gonzales still calls the shots for the Heavy Bombers as they host the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals in their face-off in the 95th NCAA basketball tournament at the JRU Gym in Mandaluyong City today.

Gonzales was supposed to serve his one-game suspension in their 4 p.m. game for his two technical fouls in the third quarter of their 77-95 loss to Lyceum of the Philippines U Pirates Friday.

But the Bombers, who currently hold a 2-4 (win-loss) record, made an appeal that led to the lifting of the suspension.

While Gonzales gets to coach, his top player Agem Miranda will have to sit this one out for his disqualifying foul on LPU’s Biern Laurente that merited an automatic one-game ban.

Miranda’s sacking is a big blow on the Heavy Bombers as the spitfire guard is the team’s leading scorer with an average of 13 points a game.

The Generals, who have a 1-4 mark, for their part, will get a little reprieve on the return of core players Chester Carlos and John Estacio. The two were out for two weeks due to HFM (hand, foot and mouth) disease.

But EAC mentor Oliver Bunyi said they’re  focusing more on his players making an attitude change.