TRO allows UPIS cager to suit up as Junior Maroons nip Tiger Cubs
With Jozhua General back in action and providing the needed emotional lift, University of the Philippines carved out a thrilling 73-71 victory against University of Santo Tomas Saturday as the second round of the UAAP Season 76 juniors’ basketball action got going at the Blue Eagle Gym.
A day after obtaining a 20-day temporary restraining order–reportedly worked out by his parents–from the Quezon City Regional Trial Court against the UAAP Board’s ruling of his ineligibility this season, General immediately gave the inside presence the Junior Maroons lack, hauling down 10 rebounds on top of two points and as many assists.
“We fought it out tooth and nail versus a very hard working ust squad and that gave us a good start in the second round. I hope some sort of a momentum can give us more victories,” stated UPIS coach Allan Gregorio in an SMS message sent to Yahoo! Philippines moments after victory.
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Diego Dario topscored for the Diliman-based squad with 27 points while Freddy Pajarillaga dished out a double-double performance of 18 points and 14 rebounds but Gregorio noted General’s return clearly boosted the Junior Maroons’ collective morale.
“Jozhua gave us the inside presence which we really need. But more than that, the emotional lift that inspired other especially Freddy Pajarillagas’ double-double performance,” added Gregorio.
With the TRO in effect, the win was the second this season for Junior Maroons, who outlasted Adamson University Baby Falcons in four overtimes 89-87 last July 14 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In an official statement released Saturday, the UAAP Board “will honor the TRO and will allow Joshua General to play in UPIS’s games covered by the 20-day period.”
The TRO issue will also be part of its agenda on its regular meeting on August 22, the UAAP Board added.
For now, Gregorio clearly wants to utilize the presence of General to the hilt, adding the school’s alumni association is “solidly behind UPIS.”
