Without main man Agem Miranda, the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers hope to stay on their feet in their next game in 95th National Collegiate Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament today at their own homecourt at the JRU gymnasium in Kalentong, Mandaluyong.
Miranda is suspended for a game and won’t be around to lead the Heavy Bombers in their 4 p.m. clash with the Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals.
Earlier, the Light Bombers (4-2) will face the winless EAC-ICA Brigadiers at 2 p.m.
In front of their fans, the Heavy Bombers Bombers will go for their third win in seven games.
Unfortunately, Miranda will have to watch from afar after he was thrown out late in the Heavy Bombers’ losing game to the Lyceum of the Philippines University Pirates (77-95) last Friday for punching Beirn Laurente.
Bombers’ coach Louie Gonzalez will still be around after he was spared of suspension despite having been ejected early in the second half due to two technical fouls for continous complaining.
“JRU made an appeal. Agem Miranda upheld suspension, while coach Louie Gonzalez can coach with a very stern warning that repetition of similar situation would merit an automatic suspension,” said NCAA Management Commitee chairman Peter Cayco in a statement.
Gonzalez, though, is set to appear before Cayco and basketball commissioner Tonichi Pujante at 1 p.m. today before the game.
The Bombers hope to stay in the thick of the fight with John Amores, Marwin Dionisio, JL Delos Santos and Stephan Steinl leading the charge.
EAC, which holds a 1-4 card, are coming off a 77-86 defeat from the hands of the Chiefs also last Friday.