PampangaStateU advances to semis via default after TAU no-show
SPORTS
The Pampanga State University (PampangaStateU) Honorians secured their fifth basketball win by default after the Tarlac Agricultural University (TAU) Buffalos failed to appear in their quarterfinals match in the United Central Luzon Athletic Association (UCLAA) Season 10 Invitational Tournament today, October 1, at the Systems Plus College Foundation (SPCF) Gymnasium.
In an interview, Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) Region III Director Virgilio “Gil” Cortez clarified that the team’s absence resulted from issues with their travel order following the postponement of games due to Typhoon Opong.
“Well, we have made some announcement on the part of the UCLAA to adjust their schedules because there were postponements of the games, right? And we made some announcements doon sa gc namin, wherein everybody's part of that, eh... they were not able to adjust their travel order kasi ang ginawa nung coach atsaka nung athletic director, ang travel order nila is saktong September 30, e 'yung adjustment natin is October 1 and 2, 'yung games due to postponement of the games during 26, 27, 28 dahil bagyo,” he explained.
Cortez noted that the scheduling change left the Buffalos unable to extend their documents, which required both administrative approval and parental consent for the players, as stated in the organization’s official Facebook page.
Following these issues, the Office of the Organizing Committee officially declared the opposing team’s forfeiture from the UCLAA games.
The committee said they understood TAU’s situation but reaffirmed that postponement had been an inevitable decision to ensure everyone’s safety and comply with the government’s suspension of classes and work.
"Ample time was given and prompt announcement of the new schedule was ensured by UCLAA in informing the member schools,” the official statement read.
Meanwhile, the semifinals and finals of the tournament will proceed as scheduled tomorrow, October 2 at the SPCF Gymnasium, with PampangaStateU advancing to the next round.
