ACHING to regain lost glory, University of the Philippines is working doubly hard in the off-season to toughen up for the 87th UAAP cage wars kicking off on Sept. 7.
But that doesn’t mean the Fighting Maroons would sacrifice something they value deeply simply for the sake of winning– academics.
The Katipunan-based dribblers forfeited their quarterfinals series against the Enderun College Titans in the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup, a pre-season tourney, because they won’t be able to field a complete line-up.
UP, the top seed and unbeaten in eight games so far, said while it was a tough decision to make, the players’ studies remain its top priority.
“We regret to inform our fans and supporters that we won’t be playing our game against the Enderun College Titans (today), June 5, as we cannot field a complete line-up,” the team said in a statement yesterday. “The quarterfinals match conflicts with the players’ classes and examinations.
“Our Fighting Maroons, as student-athletes, must prioritize their academic commitments and responsibilities.”
Game 1 was supposed to be played yesterday, while the second tiff is set for today.
Pinoyliga organizers accepted UP’s decision.
“With the pursuit of academic excellence as the priority, the UP Fighting Maroons formally bow out of the Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup,” the league said in a statement yesterday.
“The league respects the decision of the team to forego its remaining games in the current Pinoyliga Collegiate Cup to give the players time to focus on their respective academic responsibilities.”
The Goldwin Monteverde-mentored Maroons also backed out of the 86th UAAP 3×3 joust month due to injuries.
The Titans advanced to the semifinals and will take on either National University or Guang Ming.
“In the true spirit of sportsmanship, we extend our hands in solidarity in the quest for academic excellence for student-athletes and in upholding the tenets of basketball rules,” Pinoyliga said.
“We strive to provide quality college basketball to the public, and as the team adheres to the rules of the league in situations of forfeiture.”
