AN already depleted Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) five faces a forfeiture of its next National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 90 seniors’ basketball game against University of Perpetual Help on Friday at The Arena in San Juan as the team does not have enough players on their roster.
Following the suspensions that decimated their squad in the fallout of an ugly bench-clearing brawl during the final seconds of their game against Mapua on Monday, the Generals have only four players from their 13-man active roster available, deeming them ineligible to play.
Jerald Serrano, Christ Mejos, Ai Indin and center Jozhua General were the only EAC players who were spared from suspension, while Generals forward Faustine Pascual was slapped with a one-game ban.
EAC’s three graduating players—Jan Jamon (three-game suspension), Jack Arquero (three games) and Joko Tayongtong (five games), played out their final game for the Generals and were fined an undisclosed amount.
EAC Coach Gerry Esplana said that the team moved forward after the decision was handed down, and has shifted their focus to their game against the Stags.
“Nag-rule na ang NCAA at nanghihinayang ang hindi makakalaro sa team. So what we did in scrimmage was the rest of the team against the five na maglalaro. Sabi ko na i-push ninyo ang lima parang actual game. Maganda ang itinakbo ng ensayo at parang walang nangyaring away,” Esplana said.
“Ito na ang tsansa, kahit lima sila ipapakita nila ang magandang image sa NCAA na lalaban at lalaban kami. We’re knocking at the door of the NCAA and we’re going to play a decent game come on Monday,” he added.
“Siyempre, we’re still playing for the school. We’re given a chance at lalaruin namin ng maganda ang laro. Andiyan naman kami sa NCAA para maipakita na kaya ng players individually maglaro.”
Similarly, Mapua will also forfeit its next game against Letran College on Monday, as the quartet of Jessie Saitanan, CJ Isit, Joseph Eriobu, and Jeson Cantos were the only ones that escaped punishment.
In the other game on Friday, San Sebastian (3-11) takes on Lyceum of the Philippines University (6-9) in a battle for a respectable windup to their disappointing seasons.
