MANILA, Philippines — Reigning champion Ateneo earned at least a playoff for the last Final Four ticket as host University of the East, on the heels of the shocking resignation of its school president as UAAP board chairman, crashed out of contention in a tumultuous development.
The Eagles behind the 21 points of Jared Brown pounced on the crippled Warriors – sans top rookie Precious Momowei – with a gritty 80-74 win to solidify hold of the No. 4 spot with a 7-6 record yesterday at the MOA Arena.
Momowei, runaway leader in the Rookie of the Year race, was slapped with a one-game suspension ahead of their must-win battle against the Eagles, igniting stunning developments in the tailend of the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament.
The suspension, due to a second unsportsmanlike foul against La Salle last weekend, disqualified Momowei from the ROY race as UE bowed out with a 4-9 slate.
Just hours before the match, UE president and chief academic officer Dr. Zosimo Battad stepped down from his post as chairman of the UAAP Board of Trustees.
UE officials did not expound on Battad’s resignation and said an official statement will come out soon. UE coach Jack Santiago said they appealed Momowei’s suspension in an emergency board meeting but to no avail.
“For me it’s unfair for the kid na mawala sa kanya ng ‘ganun lang kadali ‘yung hard-earned na award,” said Santiago, just days after Adamson coach Nash Racela questioned the officiating in his team’s bitter loss to Ateneo, which came in danger of missing the Final Four.
“I think it’s shameful. I think you all know exactly what I mean,” said Ateneo coach Tab Baldwin.