Manila – The mystery surrounding Far Eastern University (FEU) star guard Andy Barroca will be answered when the Final Four of the 72nd UAAP men’s basketball starts today (Saturday) at the Araneta Coliseum.

FEU officials have kept mum on the issue while different versions of the story have been reported on the several papers and websites (this site not included).

FEU through its athletic director and this season’s basketball tournament director Mark Molina said that the school will issue its official statement before their 3:30 game.

The Tamaraws hold a twice-to-beat edge against the red hot UE Red Warriors, who are coming off a six game win streak, seven if their practice game against the University of San Carlos (USC) Warriors in their recent trip to Cebu is to be included.

The Tamaraws’ unwanted distraction on the days leading to the Final Four stemmed allegedly on Barroca’s uncharacteristic drop in his performance in the team’s last two games.

mark andy barrocaBarroca, whose claim to fame was his stellar play last summer for the Smart Gilas-RP Team, had averaged a team-best 13.6 points on just 37.3 percent from the field in 30.1 minutes in the team’s first 12 games. He laced that up with averages of 5.4 rebounds, 3.1 assists against 2.4 turnovers.

However, in FEU’s last two games against La Salle and Ateneo, Barroca’s numbers dropped significantly while his turnovers increased.

The crack guard from Zamboanga submitted averages of 7.5 pts. on 33.3 percent from the field on top of 3.5 rebs. and 0.5 ast. against 3.5 turnovers but only normed 22 mins. in those two particular games.

The dip in his performance was further magnified in the team’s last game against Ateneo where he scored eight points in the first quarter then suddenly went scoreless the rest of the way as FEU squandered an 18-point lead and the chance to grab the top spot.

Barroca, meanwhile, had averaged 13.5 pts. on 41.7 percent shooting in 26 mins. of action in the first round against Ateneo and La Salle.

The question whether it was because of alleged “game-fixing” or just a case of fatigue for having played all year long will be cleared once and for all when the FEU management breaks its silence today.

While controversy surrounded the FEU camp, all is well in UE as it aims to duplicate its smashing 87-72 second round win against the Morayta-based squad to force a rubber match on Thursday.

UE coach Lawrence Chongson dismissed the drama surrounding Barroca as a mere ploy to catch his team off guard.

“Honestly, I don’t believe that FEU could resist not playing (Andy) Barroca tomorrow (Saturday). We prepared hard for an FEU team with Barroca. I will not allow their (FEU’s) distraction to distract us,” Chongson said in a text message yesterday (Friday).

http://www.uaapsports.com/features/254/will-barroca-play-or-not/

 

September 19th, 2009 by Alder T. Almo