The University of the Philippines (UP) men’s 3×3 basketball team has made the decision to withdraw from the UAAP Season 86 tournament, forfeiting their remaining games subsequent to their participation in the opener. This regrettable occurrence transpired just a day after the UP Fighting Maroons presented a display of their formidable skills, with Francis Lopez, Harold Alarcon, and Chicco Briones gracing the court.
The UP stalwarts delivered a commendable performance on Thursday, May 2, securing a 21-15 victory over Ateneo before succumbing to a narrow defeat against Adamson with a score of 22-18. However, on the following day, the team encountered a setback when they were unable to field a complete lineup due to an injury.
In an official statement, the UP Men’s Basketball Team expressed their remorse in informing their fans and supporters about their inability to participate in the UAAP Season 86 3×3 Basketball Tournament on May 3. The team attributed their forfeiture to an injury, in accordance with FIBA 3×3 rules, which stipulate that a team will lose by forfeit if they are unable to present three players on the court ready to play at the scheduled starting time of the game.
As a consequence of their withdrawal, the UP men’s basketball team will concede a win to the opposing teams they were scheduled to face, with those teams being credited with a full 21 points. However, the outcomes of the Maroons’ initial two games will still count towards the team standings.
The Maroons were slated to compete against the FEU Tamaraws, the La Salle Green Archers, the UST Growling Tigers, the NU Bulldogs, and the UE Red Warriors in the remaining matches of the tournament.
It is undeniably disheartening to witness the UP Men’s 3×3 basketball team forfeit the opportunity to vie for the championship. Nevertheless, it serves as a testament to the physical rigours and unpredictability of sports. The team’s decision to prioritize the well-being of their players is commendable, given that injuries are an inherent risk in competitive sports.
With the forfeiture of their remaining games, the UP men’s 3×3 basketball team’s campaign in the UAAP Season 86 tournament may have concluded prematurely. Nonetheless, it is unequivocal that they will overcome this setback with resilience and determination.
For further information and updates on the UAAP Season 86 men’s 3×3 basketball tournament, please continue to follow reputable sports news sources. Let us demonstrate our support for the UP men’s 3×3 basketball team as they navigate through this challenging period.