Momowei out of key tiff vs Eagles

MANILA, Philippines — In a major blow to the University of the East Warriors, top rookie Precious Momowei was slapped a one-game suspension ahead of their crucial tiff versus the Ateneo Blue Eagles in UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament at the MOA Arena today.

Momowei drew the sanction for his second unsportsmanlike foul in the second quarter of UE’s 86-76 loss to La Salle at the Smart Araneta Coliseum over the weekend. He committed his first unsportsmanlike foul last month in the Warriors’ 72-65 defeat to Adamson.

The Warriors will definitely miss the services of Momowei, the leading Rookie of the Year bet with averages of 12.5 points, 10.33 rebounds, 1.17 assists, 1.25 steals and 1.83 blocks.

UE held its own in the first round against Ateneo before absorbing a close 76-69 loss.

In today’s other games, leaders University of the Philippines and National U as well as the rampaging La Salle push their drives against separate foes. All three teams have booked entry into the semis, with UP (10-2) out to bolster its bid against also-ran Santo Tomas (1-11) at 1 p.m. and National U (10-2) clashing with Adamson (5-7) at 6 p.m.

La Salle (9-3), which has yet to lose in the second round, wants no let-up against Far Eastern U (3-9) at 4 p.m.