CJ Cansino’s stellar UAAP Season 81 Men’s Basketball campaign came to an untimely end on Saturday afternoon. And it was not the ending the 19-year-old hoped for.
With 5:57 left during the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons’ second round encounter against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers, CJ Cansino went for a drive. However, the 6-foot-1 utility guard fell badly on his left knee.
Cansino did not return to the game. And if Aldin Ayo were asked, Cansino will no longer return for UST’s final game of the season.
“Kahit anong resulta ng MRI, di namin papalaruin yung bata.”
Cansino’s loss was a huge blow for the Growling Tigers. Before he was sent to the dressing room, UST were up, 34-26. The game ended with a scoreline of 83-69 in favor of UP, to end UST’s Final Four hopes.
“Sinubukan ni Toby Agustin, sinubukan ni Josh Marcos na mag-step up kaso… they tried their best naman eh,” beamed Ayo.
Still, just as their season has exceeded expectations, Ayo shared that Cansino himself had a season to remember.
“He had a good season. Hopefully, marami siya natutunan,” said Ayo, as Cansino averaged 12.3 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season.
“We’ll make sure that he’ll be ready for next year.”
