Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Tiebreaker Times
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

Basketball

UST to appeal suspension of Mo Tounkara following OT loss to La Salle


University of Santo Tomas is preparing to appeal the potential suspension of Malian center Mo Tounkara, who was ejected during the fourth period of their 94-87 overtime loss to defending champion De La Salle University on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Tounkara received his first technical foul at the 5:42 mark of the opening period after he flexed over Nigerian center Henry Agunanne following a contested layup.

He was subsequently ejected for the remainder of the contest after receiving a second technical foul at the 3:38 mark of the fourth quarter for taunting Mike Phillips.

If the Growling Tigers’ appeal is denied, Tounkara will not only sit out against the Ateneo Blue Eagles due to a one-game suspension, but he will also become ineligible for any season awards.

“I think we’re gonna submit an appeal later for the organization, like if they can allow me to play the next game,” said Tounkara, who was seventh in the statistical points race after the first round with 60.0.

The 21-year-old center acknowledged that his emotions got the best of him at a critical moment as UST mounted a comeback, turning a 61-74 deficit into an 80-all tie heading into overtime.

He expressed his determination to make amends for his absence in the crucial overtime period against the Green Archers by managing his emotions and further developing his character.

UAAP87-MBB-MO-TOUNKARA-5929 UST to appeal suspension of Mo Tounkara following OT loss to La Salle Basketball News UAAP UST  - philippine sports news

(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team

“I was too much in the game. Sometimes, I have to control myself. I think if I had been there, we would have had a big chance to win this game. But I need to control myself sometimes. I got too wrapped up in the game, that’s why,” shared the Lycee Prive Du Sud product.

“I know that I’m like this; sometimes I get too into the game, but I have to control myself. It’s only about basketball, but it feels so personal sometimes. I have to manage myself in these kinds of situations. We’re going to face these situations again, and I have to take control of that.”

Despite his absence affecting their comeback efforts in overtime, Tounkara remained proud of how the Growling Tigers pushed the Green Archers to their limits.

#ReadMore  Marck Espejo ends two-year title drought: 'Na-miss ko yung feeling'

He believes that with proper preparations, UST, now at a 4-5 record, can turn their fortunes around in pursuit of their first Final Four ticket since 2019.

“That really shows that we have a pretty good team this year. We keep growing, and we keep getting better every day. That’s what I see in the team. Through our preparations, we are going to perform much better as we look forward to the next five games,” he shared.

“We’re ready to give our all in the next game since we have two losses against UP and La Salle. We have to win the next one if we want to secure our spot in the Final Four.”

Written By

A dreamer from Marikina, a reporter on the sidelines




You May Also Like

AU

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines flexed its might in the quarterfinals of the Playtime Cares Filoil EcoOil 18th Preseason Cup presented by...

AdU

De La Salle University completed a clean sweep of the elimination round, while defending UAAP champion University of the Philippines wrapped up with back-to-back...

Basketball

Despite being a champion with the University of the Philippines, Dikachi Ududo has not forgotten his roots. The 21-year-old recently sent sporting gear and...

News

Japan-bound Leo Aringo gave full credit to the National University men’s volleyball team coaches and managers for paving the way to the next chapter...

AU

University of Santo Tomas became the first team from the UAAP Group to clinch a playoff berth in the PlayTime Cares 18th Filoil EcoOil...

Basketball

When one door closes, another opens. That’s certainly the case for both Zain Mahmood and Far Eastern University. Just two months after Veejay Pre...

AdU

Adamson University-ARQ Builders escaped with a heart-pounding 86-84 overtime win against University of Santo Tomas-Weng Burs Apartelle to capture the 2025 Mayor Kirk Asis...

Basketball

When Kurt Laput committed to transferring to the University of Santo Tomas, he didn’t expect to find a familiar face waiting for him in...

Advertisement