University of the East officials reportedly apologized to the organizers of the 17th Sandugo University Games in Bacolod City for its men’s basketball’s forfeiture of their championship match against National University.

A report posted on the ABS-CBN website said UE executive director for marketing, Dr. Jesus T. Tanchanco Sr. and Department of Physical Education director Rodrigo Roque, sent a written apology to UniGames president Roger Banzuela explaining the circumstances that led to the team’s departure from Bacolod City the night before the final match.

“The Red Warriros were caught between vying for the UniGames crown or heeding the call of flag and country. The Red Warriors are representing the country in the Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) championship and were scheduled to fly to Taiwan on Sunday,” the report said.

It added that the Red Warriors management, led by Tanchanco, exerted all efforts to book another flight to Taipei but failed.

“UE has no intention of disrespecting the Unigames, NU, the other participating teams and the Bacolod basketball fans for forfeiting the championship game,” the report added.

Earlier, Banzuela said he would recommend to the UniGames Board of Directors sanctions against UE for forfeiting the championship game.

A one-year suspension for the entire school from participating in the UniGames and a possible life-time ban for its men’s basketball team are among the sanctions the Board will consider, Banzuela said.

The Red Warriors advanced to the championship of the Unigames by sweeping the eliminations and beating UAAP champion Ateneo De Manila University Blue Eagles in the semifinals, 68-65.

They were scheduled to play for the gold against the NU Bulldogs after the latter edged Adamson U in the semis, 67-66.*NAB

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