Game on Saturday (Araneta Coliseum)
3:30 p.m. FEU vs UE

With the suspicion surrounding the sudden dip of his performance, Mark Barroca reportedly won’t be around when Far Eastern University goes for the first finals berth against the dangerous University of the East today in the UAAP basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

A source who declined to be identified said the 5-foot-10 dynamo will not be allowed by FEU management to play in their 3:30 p.m. encounter with the Warriors.

The other Final Four series will be held tomorrow with defending champion Ateneo going for the other finals berth when it battles the rookie-laden University of Santo Tomas. Both Ateneo and FEU enjoy twice-to-beat advantages.

“FEU is not going to allow Barroca to play (on Saturday),” said the source.

There were also reports that Barroca has already quit from FEU because of the allegations he was not playing up to his ability, especially during the team’s last five games in the elimination round.

“Baka nainis na sa dami ng bali-balitang involved daw siya sa point-shaving,” the source said.

The FEU management will issue an official statement today whether Barroca will be allowed to see action in this crucial match.

FEU coach Glenn Capacio remains in the dark whether Barroca can play or not.

“We will know it tomorrow (Saturday),” said Capacio.

But another source believes Barroca will not be allowed to play no matter what happens, even if UE forces a playoff.

“Kahit na matalo daw sila bukas, hindi pa rin siya paglalaruin sa knockout match,” the other source said. “He did not show up during the practices, so I doubt he will be allowed to play. Hindi siya nagpapakita, patay ang cell phone niya.”

But with or without Barroca, the Tamaraws are determined to finish the Warriors today.

“Kung pupwede lang sana hindi na namin papaabutin ng second game pero alam naman natin ang UE, hindi nila basta-basta ibibigay sa amin yan kaya maganda na kung sa Sabado pa lang kunin na namin,” Capacio said.

University of the East coach Lawrence Chongson, however, does not want to buy the notion that Barroca will not show up today.

“Honestly, I don’t believe that FEU could resist not playing Barroca. We had prepared hard for an FEU team with Barroca,” said Chongson.

“UAAP championship is too precious, and I believe Barroca will play.”

Barroca was reportedly questioned by team management about the drastic drop of his numbers, especially during their game against La Salle and Ateneo.

Even his teammates, including fellow Smart-Gilas RP developmental member JR Cawaling, were dissatisfied with his performance of late.

“During their game against Ateneo, some members of the team expressed their desire not to allow him to play,” the source said.