Gelo Santiago will miss the remainder of Round 2 of the UAAP Season 88 Collegiate Men’s Basketball tournament after being handed a five-game suspension by the UAAP Commissioner’s Office.
This, as the younger brother of National University greats Dindin and Jaja was assessed a disqualifying foul in last Sunday’s clash against Ateneo de Manila University.
The suspension stems from a dangerous non-basketball play committed at the 8:50 mark of the fourth quarter against Ateneo.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Santiago and Ateneo’s Waki Espina both fell to the floor after a rebound. While Espina was lying prone, Santiago struck him on the back of the head with his right forearm, prompting an immediate disqualification.
Following a review, the Commissioner’s Office deemed Santiago’s action unsportsmanlike and dangerous.
Santiago, who is averaging 6.44 points, 1.78 rebounds, and 1.11 steals in nine games this season, will NU’s matchups against De La Salle University on Sunday, November 2, Adamson University on Friday, November 8, Far Eastern University on Tuesday, November 12, University of the East on Friday, November 15, and University of Santo Tomas on Saturday, November 23.
The 24-year-old guard from Cavite apologized to Espina and the community afterwards.
“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.”
NU has the option to file a motion for reconsideration regarding the suspension.
#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
