Defending champion Ateneo Blue Eagles will have a manpower shortage when they face the Far Eastern University Tamaraws on Saturday.
The Blue Eagles will play without three mainstays at the start of the second round of the 94th University Athletic Association of the Philippinaes (UAAP) men’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Colseum.
They will miss a suspended Thirdy Ravena and injured Nieto brothers Mike and Matt when they go for their seventh win in nine games.
Ravena was handed a one-game suspension by commissioner Junel Baculi after throwing a closed fist at Paul Desiderio last October 14 during the Blue Eagles’ 83-66 win over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons.
He will be one of three players who will serve a one-game suspension this weekend. Arvin Tolentino of FEU and University of the Philippines’ Javi Gomez de Liano were also sanctioned.
“I don’t think we will be appealing this. We will respect the decision,” said Blue Eagles team manager Epok Quimpo.
It was Ravena’s second infraction since last season. This has also disqualified him for the Season 94 MVP race, and from any individual awards.
The incident took place with 1:26 left in the first quarter following a collision with Desiderio. The two fell down on the floor and there was no foul called.
Against the Tams, the Blue Eagles will be without the Nieto brothers. Mike is resting an injured finger. Matt is recovering from a sprained left ankle.
Ravena averages 11.8 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game.
On the other hand, the Tams will be without Tolentino, who has been slapped with a two-game ban following his second disqualifying foul this season.
Tolentino was called for a disqualifying foul against Zachy Huang with 15 seconds left in their game against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers.
This took place last Sunday. FEU lost that game to the Growling Tigers, 70-78.
On the other hand, de Liano has a one-game ban for two technical fouls against Ateneo. He will be missing when the UP Fighting Maroons face the University of the East Red Warriors on Sunday.”‹
