UP's Reyland Torres avoids suspension in winner-take-all Game 3

Metro Manila, Philippines — Reyland Torres will be available to play for the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in the all-important Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men's basketball finals.

The league announced on Thursday that Torres will not be suspended in the rubber match despite his ejection in the Fighting Maroons' 76-75 loss to the De La Salle University Green Archers in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

READ: La Salle escapes UP to force do-or-die title match

Torres committed two unsportsmanlike fouls, first for his hit on EJ Gollena with 5:33 remaining in the third period, then a clear path foul on CJ Austria with 2:58 left in the final quarter.

The UAAP deemed the foul on Austria as UF category 4 or an illegal contact caused by the player from behind or laterally on an opponent who is progressing toward the basket, with no other defenders between the player and the basket.

"Because of the nature of the second foul, Torres will be eligible to play in Game 3," the UAAP basketball Commissioner's Office explained.

"The same case as Adamson's Jhon Calisay back on November 23, 2024," it added.

Calisay was spared from a suspension despite getting ejected at the end of the elimination round. He still did not play against La Salle in the Final Four due to injury.

The do-or-die Game 3 is scheduled on Dec. 15 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.