UAAP: Momowei suspended vs Ateneo as UE appeal denied

UE Red Warriors’ Precious Momowei is ejected during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball game against the UST Growling TIgers. –UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — With University of the East’s appeal for Precious Momowei’s suspension denied, the Red Warriors are set to play without their star center against the also-ran Blue Eagles in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at UST Quadricentennial Arena.

The league on Wednesday stood firm on Momowei’s ensuing suspension that stemmed from two unsportsmanlike fouls against the University of Santo Tomas. UE lost the match, 76-67,  last Saturday. 

“The suspension results from two unsportsmanlike fouls assessed to Momowei during UE’s game against the University of Santo Tomas last Saturday, November 9,” wrote the league. 

READ: UAAP: UE’s Precious Momowei sounds off after second straight loss

“According to league rules, a student-athlete disqualified, thrown out, or ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike behavior is prohibited from participating in the immediately following game.”

The Nigerian center was ejected with 5:07 left in the fourth quarter after his elbow landed on Gelo Crisostomo’s face, leaving the latter bloodied. 

He received his first unsportsmanlike foul (category 2) at the 5:18 mark of the second period after his elbow hit Mo Tounkara, who had a bloody nose.

READ: UAAP: Precious Momowei ‘ready to play 100 minutes’ for UE

Momowei went to the UST locker room after the game to apologize, saying it wasn’t intentional.

UE, though, is appealing for Momowei’s eligibility for post-season awards, according to Inquirer sources.

The Board of Managing Directors will review UE’s second appeal.

Last year, Momowei was suspended and disqualified from winning an individual award despite leading the Rookie of the Year race.

Momowei’s one-game absence will be a huge blow to UE, which holds a 6-6 record still in third place, as he’s been averaging  12.92 points, 13.92 rebounds, 1.67 assists, and 1.25 steals per game.

The Red Warriors are raring to end a three-game skid as they look to secure at least a playoff for a Final Four berth against the Blue Eagles.