A big blow for NU as the Bulldogs will miss Gelo Santiago for the rest of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball eliminations following a five-game suspension for his elbow hit on Ateneo's Waki Espina.
No Gelo Santiago for the rest of the eliminations for National U.
That is after the sophomore cager got slapped with a five-game suspension following a disqualifying foul that led to his ejection during the Bulldogs’ 66-50 win over the Ateneo in their UAAP Season 88 men's basketball second-round matchup.
The suspension stems from a dangerous non-basketball play for the Santiagi, who fell to the floor alongside Waki Espina following a rebound early in the third quarter.
Moments after, Santiago then struck Espina on the back of the head with his right forearm, prompting an immediate ejection.
Upon review, the league deemed Santiago’s conduct “unsportsmanlike” and “dangerous” in handing the penalty though NU retains the right to file a motion for reconsideration.
Despite the abrupt exit of their sophomore guard, the No. 1 Bulldogs stayed on course, recording back-to-back wins to maintain a league-leading 7-2 record.
[ALSO READ: UAAP: NU’s Jeff Napa admits frustration to Gelo Santiago’s action vs. Ateneo]
Santiago will miss NU’s final five elimination-round games against La Salle (Nov. 2), Adamson (Nov. 8), FEU (Nov. 12), UE (Nov. 15), and UST (Nov. 23).
His earliest possible return would be in the Final Four, provided NU secures a playoff spot.
He becomes the second player this month — after UE’s Wello Lingolingo — to receive a multi-game suspension.
Red Warriors head coach Chris Gavina is also in the middle of serving his own four-game suspension following his rant towards officiating earlier.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.