Karim Abdul to serve one-game suspension as UST targets third place

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas and Far Eastern University dispute the third spot against separate opponents on the final day of elimination Sunday.

But the Growling Tigers, tied for third with the Tamaraws at 8-5, take on National University minus Cameroonian center Karim Abdul in their 1 p.m. duel.

Abdul, who averages 12.1 points, 11.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game, will serve a one-game suspension for incurring two unsportsmanlike fouls this season.

“As much as I realize the possible importance of their game with NU, I have to enforce the rule of the league… The slate is wiped out once a suspension is enforced,” said league commissioner Andy Jao in a statement Saturday.

Abdul was slapped with another unsportsmanlike foul Thursday after swinging an elbow at FEU’s John Forronda. He committed the first in UST’s 81-71 setback over Adamson in the first round.

The league automatically suspends players slapped with two unsportsmanlike fouls in a season.

“I firmly believe in the rule of the league which was designated to ensure of safety of the players,” Jao also said.