University of the East rookie Precious Momowei has been slapped with a one-game suspension after committing a second unsporstsmanlike foul, kissing his chances of winning an individual award in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 men’s basketball tournament goodbye.
The league announced the ban yesterday following the Senegalese student-athlete’s infraction during the Red Warriors’ match against De La Salle University last Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Momowei received an unsportsmanlike foul at the 6:43 mark of the second quarter during UE’s 76-86 loss that pushed it to the brink of elimination in the race for the last Final Four race.
The big man inadvertently hit Green Archers forward Kevin Quiambao in the face in a rebound play with the Red Warriors ahead 25-21.
Momowei will serve his suspension on Wednesday, 15 November, against defending champion Ateneo de Manila University, dealing a huge blow to UE’s fight to extend its season.
His first unsportsmanlike foul occurred on 15 October, during the Red Warriors’ first round game against Adamson University. The incident took place with 7:38 left in the game.
Momowei, who is at No. 9 in the statistical race after the first round with a total of 62.143 points, currently leads all freshmen for the Rookie of the Year honors but won’t be eligible to win an award anymore due to the suspension.
The Red Warriors carry a 4-8 win-loss record and must win all of their remaining two games as well as pray that Ateneo and Adamson won’t reach seven wins to force a playoff for the No. 4 semis seat.
