BARRIOS CHANGES MIND AFTER TRO; SAN BEDA COLLEGE DEFEATED JOSE RIZAL UNIVERSITY IN NCAA SEASON 84 FINALS 72 - 68

Whenever courts intervene in an issue of dispute involving sports, it’s never good news. Can you imagine the chaos if a losing boxer goes to court and tries to reverse a decision on the basis of the judges’ alleged incompetence? There are avenues of arbitration available within the sports hierarchy to resolve issues of conflict. Bringing in government or the church or some other third party to settle a dispute in sports just isn’t sporting.

Joaquin Henson from Philstar

Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner Sonny Barrios changed his mind yesterday and would name the RP coach after all. This following the Court of Appeals issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to prevent Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 24 from nullifying the election of Manny Pangilinan as Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President according to a report from the Philippine Star. It means Team Pilipinas will be formed as soon as possible (Oct. 1 reports other newspapers).

Thank goodness! I look forward to seeing the make up of this team.

“If it means there’s no legal impediment, I’ll now proceed with my assignment. I’ll work on it as agreed upon – the sooner the better,” said Barrios.

Barrios on Monday put on hold the formation of the team, wary on a possible legal trouble with the two groups claiming to be the legitimate national cage body engaged in a legal tussle.

PBA board chairman Joaqui Trillo yesterday reiterated their full support to the Pangilinan group and stressed they’re not backing out of their commitment to form the national team for the FIBA-Asia championship next year.

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The PBA came across as a fair-weather friend to SBP, bailing out when the latter needs its support the most (PBA is a member of SBP). Full support means the PBA should stand by SBP in this leadership tussle and not when it finds convenient to do so. Actions speak louder than words.

San Beda Wins Game One of the NCAA Finals

San Beda College defeated Jose Rizal University 72 - 68 in the first game of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Season 84 Finals at the Araneta Coliseum today. San Beda did it with stifling defense and huge size advantage esp. in their frontline. Borgie Hermida scored 14 points for the Red Lions to lead his team to victory.