Remorse painted his face as Gelo Santiago left the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion, taking a moment to personally apologize to Ateneo’s Waki Espina after National University’s 66-50 victory over the Blue Eagles.
Santiago, in his second season with the Bulldogs, was ejected at the 8:50 mark of the third quarter for elbowing Espina on the back of the head while both players were on the ground inside the shaded area.
“Gusto ko humingi ng pasensya kay Espina and sa Ateneo siguro sa physical game,” Santiago said.
“Hindi ko na-control yung emotions ko. Pasensya na lang din kasi nagawa ko yun.”
The former Centro Escolar University standout’s ejection threatened to overshadow what was otherwise a commanding performance from NU.
The Bulldogs, still perched atop the standings with a 7-2 record, saw Jake Figueroa and PJ Palacielo ignite a 25-4 second-half run. That sealed a comprehensive win for a Bulldogs team considered a serious championship contender this season.
Head coach Jeff Napa didn’t mince words about Santiago’s actions, which nearly gave Ateneo an opening to snap its four-game losing streak.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Nagalit ako sa kanya,” Napa said bluntly. “Ganon ka-simple. Hindi naman namin kasi kailangan ng ganon [sa] intense na laro. Hindi namin kailangan yung mga ganon na mistakes. Alam nila ‘yon na nagalit ako kasi hindi naman kailangan maging ganon.
“Tapos nung nakita ko pa na disqualifying foul, medyo nakaka-frustrate, but we had to move on.”
For a young player still carving his name in the collegiate basketball scene, Santiago understands the fine line between playing physical and committing an act that risks harming an opponent — or damaging his reputation.
He admitted that the foul stemmed from frustration but recognized the lesson his teammates and coaches wanted him to learn.
“Siguro ayun, control my emotions na siguro dala din ng frustration. Yun nga, emotions. Dapat mas matutunan ko pang kontrolin,” he said.
Santiago’s fate now rests with the UAAP Basketball Commissioner’s Office.
With Wello Lingolingo’s three-game suspension serving as a precedent, it remains to be seen how many games the UCBL Season 5 Finals MVP might miss.
The 6-foot-1 guard remains apologetic and ready to face the consequences of his actions.
“Di ko masabi,” Santiago said. “Nasa officials na lang din yan. Ready naman din siguro ako sa gagawin ko.
“Humihingi ako ng pasensya kay Espina nga and sa NU community, sa coaches at sa mga Atenista.”
#WATCH: Gelo Santiago apologizes for his elbow swing on Ateneo’s Waki Espina in the 3rd quarter of NU’s win 🐶🏀#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/4ZWLFsgSk1
📹 @lorenzodelc /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason88 pic.twitter.com/KoKytOxfmD
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 26, 2025
