University Athletic Association of the Philippines basketball commisioner Rebo Saguisag confirmed that La Salle coach Aldin Ayo will serve a one-game suspension when the Green Archers meet Ateneo on Sunday.
La Salle assistant coach Louie Gonzales said they will have a tough time against Ateneo without Ayo.
The Green Archers played without Ayo who was thrown out of the game against the University of the East and eventually suspended. La Salle managed to eke out a 84-78 decision against winless UE last Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Green Archers thus scored their sixth straight victory and stayed in the solo lead of the 79th University Athletic Association of the Philippines men’s basketball tournament.
But the absence of Ayo will make the battle against arch-rival Ateneo Blue Eagles very challenging.
“Every time we won coach Aldin said things will become more difficult. Nothing will come easy through this journey,” said Gonzales hours after Ayo was thrown out of the game by referee Eric Viray.
Ayo was complaining about a missed call on Green Archer Thomas Torres following a rough play by UE’s Wilson Bartolome. Ayo entered the court, confronted Viray and offered him assistant Siot Tanquincen’s eyeglasses.
During the game, Prince Rivero played off the bench, and made the most of the limited minutes he had on the court count.
He finished with 11 points and eight rebounds in the 10 minutes he saw action.
His layup and two free throws in the last 3:22 pushed La Salle ahead, 78-67.
