John Amores may have perhaps created the earth-shaking sports headline that may be remembered forever in the annals of Philippine sports history.
A forward with the Jose Rizal U Heavy Bombers, the young man rampaged during a match against his CSB counterparts in the 95th NCAA season for no apparent provocation.
He was meted out penalties by the NCAA board, including being dropped from the JRU squad.
But we are not about to condemn Amores. He needs help actually in the psychological and emotional aspects of his young adult life.
Actually, he has personally apologized to those he hurt, including physically coming over to the practice venue of St. Benilde cagers.
That, for me, is more than enough.
(Three referees were also meted suspension by the NCAA ManCom.)
Let us close the book.
Meanwhile DLSU rocked the UAAP boat with a vengeful conquest of league leading UP, 82-80 to shore up the Green Archers’ hopes of making it to the Final Four.
With a 5-6 card, they are in fourth spot in a tie with Adamson.
FEU is at 4-8 and can only hope for a playoff.
UP is at 10-2, NU (beat UST 67-57) for a 9-3 WL tally and Ateneo (won over FEU 71-65) at 8-3.
DLSU needs more than just motivation and pride to sneak into the last four. But the manner it beat UP, Derek Pumaren and his boys made a statement that the Green Archers cannot be ignored.
DLSU has brighter prospects than the Soaring Falcons because scorer and playmaker Jerome Lastimosa is nursing an ankle injury.
Ginebra battled for its life with a swashbuckling hard-earned triumph in the Commissioner’s Cup Sunday over skidding TNT (89-85) to secure a playoff slot while TNT is bringing in a new import to replace injured Cameron Oliver.
Meanwhile, coach Aldin Ayo benched import Quincy Miller which caused Converge to lose its game against Northport 97-112.
“He was late for practice for one hour (due to a birthday celebration). But it’s not a punishment. He will play in our next game fully rested,” explained Ayo.
In another development, Fil-Am GM Wesley So settled for runner-up honors in the conclusion of the 2022 year-ending Meltwater Champions Chess (on-line) Tour won by world champion Magnus Carlsen.
Losing his first two matches to the Norwegian and a surprising upset to Vietnamese US-based Le Quang Liem, the super GM from Bacoor, Cavite recovered with four consecutive victories to amass 13 points, four clear off Carlsen.
Next up for WS is the Speed Chess Championship which features the world’s best pawn pushers in December.
The three-time US titleholder had a peak rating of 2822 earned in 2017. (Email feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
