UAAP board to resolve 2 NU protests

THE UAAP aims to resolve this week two protests filed by National University, which cited the “questionable” decisions in its two losses in men’s basketball and women’s beach volleyball over the weekend.

Junel Baculi, NU’s representative to the league board, said yesterday the Bulldogs formally placed under protest their heartbreaking loss 77-75 loss from Far Eastern University, 77-75, where game officials ruled that RR Garcia’s game-winning layup beat the buzzer by just a tenth of a second.

The Lady Bulldogs also contested their three-set loss to Ateneo in women’s beach volleyball, where they questioned the fielding of a substitute player.

NU basketball coach Eric Altamirano said the video review of the crucial play provided by ABS-CBN Sports was inconclusive, noting that their own review showed Garcia’s fingertip was still touching the ball at the final buzzer.

“If it was really that questionable, if you had doubts and it wasn’t clear, why not let the game go into overtime,” said Altamirano. “We’ll just see how they’ll respond to the protest.”

The complaint had been submitted to basketball commissioner Ato Badoloato, who may uphold the result or order a replay of the game.

Baculi, meanwhile, said the Lady Bulldogs questioned tournament organizers for allowing Ateneo substitute player Alyssa Valdez to see action in their game.

The Lady Eagles had already forfeited two games after officials refused to let Valdez play, adding that starter Bea Tan must present a valid medical reason for her absence.

“The issue has been elevated to the UAAP Board,” said Baculi.