UAAP Suspends Ateneo Coach Louie Alas for Two Games
Ateneo head coach Louie Alas has been suspended for two games following accumulated infractions and his conduct toward UP player Jacob Bayla and assistant coach Christian Luanzon during and after the teams’ November 7 meeting in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, the league announced.
Alas will miss the Blue Eagles’ games against Adamson on November 11 and UST on November 15, both at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. Ateneo may appeal the decision.
According to the UAAP, one game of the suspension stems from Alas’ accumulated infractions, while the other penalizes his conduct in the closing moments and aftermath of the UP game.
With less than a second remaining, Alas entered the court, pointed at Bayla, and cursed at him following the UP player’s dunk, the league said. He again pointed at and cursed at Bayla during the postgame handshake.
Alas also exchanged words with Luanzon despite attempts by UP coaches to pacify him. The Commissioner’s Office determined that his actions escalated tensions between the teams and risked a potential altercation.
The league noted that all coaches had received a memorandum before the second round reminding them to refrain from engaging in altercations with opposing players and to uphold sportsmanship, respect, and fair play.
Alas’ other one-game penalty followed two infractions involving separate incidents against UST and UP.
At the 3:55 mark of the first quarter against UP on November 7, Alas entered the court to protest a non-call and remained there despite a referee’s warning to return to the sideline. He was assessed a technical foul for unsportsmanlike behavior.
That followed an incident against UST on October 17, when Alas attempted to distract Amiel Acido during a corner three-point attempt at the 5:15 mark of the third quarter. After Acido made the shot, Alas touched the UST player’s back, according to the league.
Game officials missed the incident, but the Commissioner’s Office reviewed the play and imposed a disciplinary sanction under UAAP House Rules and applicable FIBA regulations.
Alas had already served a one-game suspension on October 10 after accumulating three infractions. Under UAAP House Rules, his infraction count was reset to two following that first suspension, the league said.
