San Beda opens title defense against Lyceum CJ Perez-less

As if dethroning a complete San Beda team was not already a difficult challenge in itself, Lyceum still had a steeper mountain to climb even before Game 1 of the NCAA Season 94 Finals Series was over. finishes at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday.

After their appeal is dismissed, the Pirates will miss star striker CJ Perez in the first game, which will take place at 4 pm, due to suspension, which would give the Red Lions an undeniable advantage in a series that should 'collapse.

The attacking attacker has violated an NCAA rule that requires players to seek league clearance when they formally request the draft PBA.

Perez requested the draft October 26, the deadline for candidates to fiipino-foreigner.

An NCAA official said the steering committee had suspended Perez this weekend.

"It's a simple rule and the sanction already existed with the rules," said the official who refused to be identified, for lack of power, to talk about the issue.

"It is obvious. He did not ask for permission from the NCAA.

This is not the first time the league has punished players for the same offense. Leo Najorda of San Sebastián College was also suspended in 2005, as was Yousif Aljamal of San Beda in 2007.

Lyceum coach Topex Robinson refused to expand on Perez's case, saying he would prefer to focus on things he can control.

"I am here to win a championship and I will focus my one hundred percent tomorrow," said Robinson, whose Pirates were swept by the Lions in the final last year.

"It's a blessing to be in the final. We do not really think about recovery or revenge, we just set the stage to inspire many people. It will never change for us. We really want to cherish the experience. "

Coach Boyet Fernandez feels the burden of expectations as the Lions win an 11th title in 13 seasons.

"Of course, we want to keep the winning San Beda tradition," Fernandez said.

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