University of Santo Tomas won’t be having the services of forward Gelo Crisostomo for a while in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament.
But when the Growling Tigers needed production from the forward position against the University of the East, they didn’t feel the void left by Crisostomo.
They had Mark Llemit to thank for that.
‘When we found out about Gelo, we all talked as a team, especially us who’s in the same position as him,’ Llemit said after their 98-87 win over the Red Warriors at Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday.
‘Gelo is such a big piece for us on both offense and defense.’
Crisostomo is currently ruled out indefinitely for UST with a right ACL sprain.
In his absence, Llemit exploded for 22 points, seven rebounds and three assists as UST improved to 2-1.
Also helping Llemit in the front court was Amiel Acido, who continued his string of stellar games, this time with 16 points.
Thanks in part to Llemit’s production, UST is now in a five-way tie atop the standings with National University, UP, Ateneo and Far Eastern University, which later beat defending champion La Salle.