Loyzaga slaps 2-game ban on another Warrior

UNIVERSITY of the East absorbed another huge blow as UAAP commissioner Chito Loyzaga yesterday slapped a two-game suspension on a third Warrior in less than a week in the men’s basketball tournament.

Ralf Olivares, who played a key role in UE’s early surge in the tournament, was banned for two games “for multiple instances of unsportsmanlike behavior” in the Warriors’ loss to National University, 81-73, last Saturday.

The penalty came just days after African center Charles Mammie and Lord Casajeros were suspended for two-games each  also for unsportsmanlike conduct.

UE had appealed the previous decision, but only Casajeros’ suspension was reduced to one game.

Loyzaga said Olivares was penalized for  “planting a foot on the stomach” of NU’s Nico Javelona in the second quarter; for an unsportsmanlike foul where he used an “elbow to deliver a blow in the face” of NU’s Robin Roño; and for “banging” his body against NU’s Joeff Javillonar while on the bench.

The Warriors, who are trying to fan their Final Four bid after falling to sixth at 5-5, will have to do without Mammie and Olivares when they tackle the surging La Salle Archers on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Loyzaga also issued a warning on NU’s Emmanuel Mbe for elbowing UE’s Chris Javier in the same Saturday game. Jasmine W. Payo