NATIONAL University overcame a bizaare incident in the third quarter that led to the ejection of guard Cyril Gonzales to force a do-or-die match for the UAAP Season 80 juniors basketball title.
Gonzales was thrown out of the game in the 7:54 mark of the third quarter of Game Two on Tuesday following a near scuffle at the Ateneo bench.
Based on television replays, Gonzales landed at the Ateneo bench following a defensive play when he was hit by Blue Eaglets players Allen Tanedo and Amchel Angeles, causing Gonzales to retaliate with a kick to Tanedo’s foot.
Gonzales was later ejected from the game following a lengthy review, but, strangely, Tanedo and Angeles returned to the bench after the two were initially announced that they were thrown out of the game.
Tanedo and Angeles were called for technical fouls but since the two were on the bench, the infraction was credited to Ateneo coach Joe Silva.
NU coach Goldwin Monteverde was surprised with the ejection of Gonzales.
“I was wondering bakit dalawang technical sila bakit wala man lang kaming free throw... I don’t know what happened there,” said Monteverde.
Monteverde said he is still undecided whether the Bullpups will appeal as he will wait for the official explanation of the incident.
“I have to ask muna kung ano technicality regarding that before mag-appeal,” said Monteverde.
With his ejection, Gonzales, one of the key players of NU, is facing suspension in Game Three, but Monteverde hopes that the league will have a change of heart.
“Sana hindi pero if mangyari ‘yun, we have to take it as it is. We have to move on and find ways na maglaro without him. I hope they come up with a better decision kasi both ends naman nangyari. Actually, sabi ko nga, sa kabila, may closed fist pa nga. I hope they could come up with mas fair na decision,” said Monteverde.
The UAAP Commissioner’s Office has yet to issue a statement on the matter.