MANILA, Philippines – University of the East’s (UE) Nick Abanto is set to serve a one-game suspension after his uncalled foul on Ateneo’s Will Navarro last Sunday, October 20 was upgraded to an unsportsmanlike foul, which will cost him to lose a game with Far Eastern University this Sunday, Oct. 27.
The unsportsmanlike foul happened with 2:03 left in the payoff period with Ateneo.
“Upon multiple reviews of the incident, we saw that there was intent by Mr. Abanto to hit Mr. Navarro causing him to fall and eventually be carried off the playing court,” Rappler news portal quoted UAAP basketball commissioner Jensen Ilagan as saying.
“The action was unprovoked and his intention to hurt was apparent. Therefore, an unsportsmanlike foul shall be assessed against him.”
With 6:33 left in the first frame, Abanto swung his left arm towards Navarro’s head during a rebounding battle, but no foul was called, according to the Rappler report.
Navarro was subbed out at the 6:22 mark of the opening frame and was brought to the dugout for examination. The Ateneo physical therapists then decided to bring him to the hospital for further tests.
