UP to Appeal Reyland Torres’ Unsportsmanlike Foul, Suspension
Photo: UAAP
Updated
The University of the Philippines, hosts of UAAP Season 87, are preparing to file an appeal against the second unsportsmanlike foul called on veteran wingman Reyland Torres during their Game 2 loss to the De La Salle Green Archers in the men’s basketball finals.
UP athletic director Bo Perasol confirmed the development to ALL-STAR Magazine on Thursday, December 12.
“We are certainly hoping that the Office of the Commissioner will consider our appeal,” said Perasol, expressing the team’s desire to have the ruling overturned.
Torres, a key rotational player for UP, was ejected late in the fourth quarter after picking up his second unsportsmanlike foul. The first was assessed in the third period during a sequence involving La Salle’s EJ Gollena. The second came with under three minutes remaining in the final quarter when Torres made contact with CJ Austria on a fastbreak.
Under UAAP regulations, two unsportsmanlike fouls result in an automatic ejection. Consequently, Torres was disqualified from the remainder of Game 2 and now faces a (update) possible suspension for the pivotal Game 3 unless the appeal is successful.
Despite modest offensive numbers – scoring a combined eight points across the first two finals games – Torres has been a crucial defensive presence for the Fighting Maroons, especially in guarding league MVP Kevin Quiambao. His absence in the latter stages of Game 2 may have contributed to UP’s inability to stop DLSU’s comeback, as Quiambao and the Green Archers capitalized on the momentum shift to secure the win and force a decisive Game 3.
UP’s appeal, if granted, would allow Torres to play in the championship-deciding matchup. The league’s decision is expected to be announced before the next game, and both teams will be keenly watching how the situation unfolds.
Game 3 promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has been a hard-fought series, with Torres’ potential availability adding another layer of intrigue to the showdown.
