Even sans Ayo, Archers stay focused on Eagles

MANILA, Philippines - With or without coach Aldin Ayo on the bench, the La Salle Green Archers are ready for any eventuality as they gear up for their tough showdown with rivals Ateneo on Sunday.

“It doesn’t change anything, really. Even if he’s not there physically, he’s gonna be with us during the preparation. It’s the process that counts so we’re gonna stick to our system, prepare for the Ateneo game regardless what happens,” said DLSU big man Prince Rivero.

Ayo faces a one-game suspension after getting thrown out Wednesday in the Archers’ 84-78 victory over University of the East. The DLSU mentor was sent off late in the second half after handing referee Eric Viray a pair of eyeglasses as he protested a non-call on what he believed was a foul committed by UE’s Wil Bartolome on Thomas Torres. 

Basketball commissioner Rebo Saguisag said per Rule VI.B of the UAAP house rules, an athlete, coach ejected from any game is “automatically suspended in the immediately succeeding game without prejudice to a party moving for consideration.”

La Salle is reportedly considering to make an appeal ahead of the much-anticipated duel with Ateneo, where the Archers will be gunning for a sweep of the first round of UAAP LXXIX men’s hoops.

The commissioner, upon review, can take action “by not imposing the penalty under UAAP rules” or in rare cases “upgrade” the sanction like extending the one-game suspension to two games, if it’s warranted.

Ayo, meanwhile, declined to comment.

“I have nothing to say. Pass muna,” he told reporters as he walked out of the MOA Arena Wednesday.