UAAP: NU's Gelo Santiago to miss remainder of second round due to five-game ban

Metro Manila, Philippines - The National University (NU) will be playing without Gelo Santiago for the rest of its second round campaign in the UAAP Season 88 men's basketball tournament.

Santiago was handed a five-game suspension by the league on Monday, Oct. 27, following a disqualifying foul he committed against Ateneo de Manila University’s Waki Espina on Sunday, Oct. 26, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Both Santiago and Espina fell on the court after a rebound play at the 8:50 mark of the fourth quarter.

Santiago then struck Espina on the back of the head with his right forearm while Espina was in a prone position, which resulted in the NU player's ejection from the match.

The UAAP Season 88 Basketball Commissioner’s Office said Santiago's conduct was unsportsmanlike and considered the act dangerous.

NU leads the team standings with a 7-2 win-loss record.

Santiago will serve his suspension beginning Nov. 2 versus De La Salle University, Adamson University on Nov. 8, Far Eastern University on Nov. 12, University of the East on Nov. 15, and University of Santo Tomas on Nov. 23.

NU may appeal the suspension.