University of the East’s Chris Javier will serve his one-game ban when the Red Warriors go up against the National University Bulldogs on Saturday. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
University of the East big man Chris Javier got slapped with a one-game suspension, adding to the early woes of the Red Warriors in the UAAP men’s basketball tournament.
The penalty stemmed from the disqualifying foul meted on Javier near the final buzzer in the Warriors’ 55-62 loss to the University of the Philippines Maroons last Saturday.
Technical officials cited the league’s house rule that says any player “thrown out or ejected from the game is automatically suspended” in the next game.
Javier threw an elbow at UP forward Jerson Prado’s face while jostling for position with only 4.1 seconds left t play.
“We talked to him already that we’re already a small team, so he can’t make stupid fouls like that,” UE coach Derrick Pumaren told the Inquirer.
“He has to play smart. The game was almost over. What’s the use of doing that.”
Javier will serve the ban in the Warriors’ game versus reigning champion National University on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
“I told the players not to expect NU to play the way [they did against La Salle],” Pumaren said of the Bulldogs, who are coming off a 63-67 loss to the Archers.
Action resumes with the four opening-weekend winners vying for a 2-0 start this Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Far Eastern University tackles University of Santo Tomas at 4 p.m. right after La Salle and UP tangle at 2 p.m.