INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines -- New basketball rules may change the complexion of the games when the 71st University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season kicks off on July 5.

The "Challenge Rule" and the "Suspension of the Possession Arrow" were among the changes agreed upon by league coaches and lined up for approval by the UAAP board on Friday.

"We expect a better season with teams like UE and FEU as major contenders. Definitely La Salle will have a hard time defending their championship," said Ricky Palou, Ateneo's representative to the UAAP board, during the PSA Forum Tuesday.

The "Challenge Rule" allows teams to contest a three-point shot only once the entire game, as oppose to the NCAA's similarly new “Challenge Rule” that allows teams to contest buzzer-beating shots at the end of the quarters.

Coaches have also opted to suspend the use of the possession arrow in the last two minutes of the game and revert to the jump ball.

"We found out there were games when some teams have taken advantage of the possession arrow," said UAAP basketball tournament coordinator Edwin Barber.

The league has been employing the possession arrow, which determines ball possession the rest of the game following the jump ball in the opening tip. The arrow alternates direction after every held-ball situation.

Also up for review is the rule on the elimination round sweep after the University of the East pulled off the feat last season by sweeping all 14 games and clinching an outright Finals berth.

But the Archers ended up capturing the crown over the Warriors, who got sidelined for almost a month as three other teams dispute the remaining Finals slot.

Over a decade ago, a team completing a sweep automatically earns the championship. But the league altered the rule after the University of Santo Tomas automatically bagged the title following a 14-0 sweep in 1993.

"It has been discussed; a sweep is a rare occasion," said UAAP secretary-treasurer Herc Callanta of host University of the Philippines.

Before the UAAP board meets on Friday, the eligibility committee will screen the eight teams' rosters Wednesday.

Sepak takraw as a demonstration sport this season and other sports bidding for inclusion such as dancesport will also be deliberated.

"We have to see the viability and the impact of the event," said Callanta.

The league, unveiling the theme "Filipino leadership through sports excellence," will fire off on July 5 at the Araneta Coliseum with FEU and Adamson clashing at 2 p.m., followed by the 4 p.m. main game between UE and UST.

Rivals Ateneo and La Salle clash in a 4 p.m. blockbuster game on July 6, right after the 2 p.m. match between National University and UP.