Technical Committee upholds Mammie's two-game ban

The University of the East Red Warriors will play without prized center Charles Mammie and defensive ace Lord Casajeros when they take on the streaking National University Bulldogs on Saturday in a crucial match in UAAP Season 76 men’s cage action at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

This development transpired after the league’s Technical Committee decided Friday afternoon to uphold the two-match ban on the 6-foot-7 Mammie and downgrade the suspension assessed to Casajeros to a single game for their respective actions against Far Eastern U star Terrence Romeo in the thrilling double-overtime game won by the Tamaraws, 98-94, last Sunday.

According to the Technical Committee headed by Rev. Fr. Emerito de Sagon, O.P., of University of Santo Tomas, it was “clear” Mammie “double-stepped” on the landing spot of Romeo.

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However, the Tech Comm decided to reduce the suspension of Casajeros because “1) the first unsportsmanlike foul was called by the referee, but the “second unsportsmanlike” act was not clear on the video and it wasn’t called by the referees, and 2) he hasn’t been suspended before, so the appeal for the reduction was granted.”

Sough for comment, UE coach Boycie Zamar said he wanted to elevate the case of Mammie to the UAAP board but the school management thought otherwise.

 “As a good soldier, I will follow their instructions,” he said. “As much as I wanted to fight what I think was a non-call.”

Although the Bulldogs appear favored, Zamar stressed they will be leaving no stone unturned to improve their 5-4 mark and keep themselves in the thick of the fight for Final Four berths.

“Ihahanda ko na lang team. Wounded warriors na kami, hindi lang red. Kaya all out na talaga. Itotodo na namin. Wala ng excuses. No let up,” he said.