Bullpups forfeit win for fielding ineligible player

MANILA, Philippines — The UAAP yesterday nullified one victory of second-running National University for fielding an ineligible player against University of the East in the first round of the Season 80 juniors’ basketball tournament.

UAAP executive director and basketball commissioner Rebo Saguisag forfeited the Bullpups’ 107-69 rout of the Junior Warriors, resulting in NU dropping to a 5-2 record while handing erstwhile winless UE a 1-6 slate.

“Records show that in their game against UE on Nov. 11, 2017, the NU Bullpups fielded a player who was not able to satisfy the eligibility requirements of the UAAP,” said Saguisag in a memo. 

“NU won the said game but the win will have to be forfeited and/or otherwise awarded to UE.”

Saguisag didn’t identify the concerned player but a check of the stats pointed to Jayson Puray, who scored eight points and grabbed three rebounds in 13 minutes against UE. He didn’t play in another game after this.

NU coach Goldwyn Monteverde said team management actually secured all of Puray’s documents but just didn’t meet the deadline for submission set by the league.

The Bullpups gun for their sixth win today against defending champion Far Eastern (4-3) at 9 a.m. at the Filoil Flying V Center.

 Ateneo seeks to sustain the momentum from its first round sweep as it targets No. 8 against the Tiger Cubs at 11 a.m.