UE big man Precious Momowei.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — University of the East big man Precious Momowei has lost his eligibility to win an individual award in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament after being slapped with a one-game suspension for committing a second unsportsmanlike foul on Sunday.
Before his suspension, which was announced by the league on Tuesday. Momowei was the frontrunner to win Rookie of the Year.
Momowei will miss the Red Warriors’ crucial game against defending champion Ateneo on Wednesday, 11 a.m., at Mall of Asia Arena.
The 6-foot-9 Momowei was called for his second unsportsmanlike foul in the second quarter of UE’s 86-76 loss to La Salle two days ago.
He committed his first unsportsmanlike foul on October 15 during the Red Warriors’ game against the Adamson Soaring Falcons in the first round.
Momowei’s absence is a big blow to UE (4-8), which has to win all of its remaining games and hope Ateneo and Adamson lose theirs for a chance to make the Final Four.
Momowei led the Rookie of the Year race after the first round with 62.143 statistical points ahead of University of the Philippines’ Francis Lopez (58.571) and Ateneo’s Mason Amos (41.571). He was also eighth in the MVP ladder.