UAAP board overturns commissioner’s decision, orders replay of game between FEU-NU

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP board, which has the final say, overturned the commissioner’s decision and ordered a game rematch between Far Eastern University and National University Friday.

“Because of the pieces of evidence/statements/video used in the deliberation were inconclusive and unclear, and most of the points brought up showed that time had expired before the ball was fully released, the UAAP Board unanimously upheld the appeal of NU for a replay of the game,” the Board said in a statement.

UAAP commissioner Ato Badolato originally junked NU’s protest against FEU’s 77-75 win on RR Garcia’s game-winner, but the Bulldogs management appealed their case to the board.

The replay, which could potentially be a deciding game for either team’s campaign for a final four spot, is set on September 23 after all the games originally scheduled in the second round have been played.

The decision, which was unanimous according to the UAAP board, nullifies the Tamaraws’ victory and puts them back to 7-3.

NU, with just a slim deficit in the standings behind La Salle, is trying to boost its chance to make it to the semis while FEU is raring to create separation from University of Santo Tomas for the twice-to-beat edge.