National University’s Gelo Santiago will be out of action for five games as he serves out his suspension in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament.
Santiago was slapped with the stiff sanction after his ejection for a disqualifying foul on Sunday in NU’s 66-50 win over Ateneo.
‘Santiago struck Espina on the back of the head with his right forearm while Espina was in a prone position, which resulted in his disqualification,’ the league wrote in a statement.
‘After a review, the UAAP Season 88 Basketball Commissioner’s Office deemed Santiago’s conduct unsportsmanlike and considered the act dangerous.’
At the 8:50 mark of the third period, Santiago figured in a scramble with Blue Eagles guard Wacky Espina.
On their way down, though, the NU swingman was seen swinging his elbow to Espina’s nape.
With the length of the suspension, Santiago would be missing the rest of the elimination’s second round.
Currently, National U remains at the top of the league ladder with a 7-2 record. The Bulldogs take on La Salle on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena without Santiago.