Baste sunk to the bottom of the NCAA after Ilagan's "ligang labas" debacle

San Sebastian sunk to the bottom of the NCAA pile, no thanks to RK Ilagan's role in a ligang labas. Franchesca Nicole Collantes/Dugout Philippines (file)

By Kevin Estrada

MANILA--San Sebastian are in danger of becoming also-rans from NCAA Final Four contenders into midway into their season already.

As if their 65-54 setback on Thursday to champions San Beda made their day from bad to worse, the management committee forfeited the Golden Stags' two wins against JRU and St. Benilde as a consequence of junior guard RK Ilagan's part in playing in a 'ligang-labas'.

This came after a report by Tiebreaker Times two weeks ago that Ilagan, alongside Letran freshman Koy Galvelo, have been investigated by the NCAA after being caught playing in an unsanctioned tournament in Quezon City on June 30, the day after the league's eligibility meeting.

As a result, Ilagan was suspended for three games, but it may likely be meted after Baste had meted a team ban on him for the rest of the first round in which they fell down to 1-8 and at the bottom of the pile after getting through their first half of their schedule.

NCAA’s decision regarding the RK Ilagan incident. #NCAASeason94 pic.twitter.com/B3CG0SM32w

— Pong Ducanes (@ompongski) August 16, 2018

With the forfeitures, the Blazers moved just half a game behind Letran at the fourth and final postseason spot, while the Heavy Bombers moved up to 1-6 with both of them had a pair of games left in the first round.

Follow him on Twitter: @KevinLEstrada