UST GROWLING Tigers co-captain Gelo Crisostomo remains optimistic that he will be able to return to action soon after leaving early in his squad’s 80-75 victory over the De La Salle Green Archers last Wednesday, Sept. 16.
Crisostomo reaggravated the same knee he injured in UST’s opener against the UP Fighting Maroons after colliding with La Salle’s Vhoris Marisigan while attempting a layup early in the first quarter.
While Crisostomo was forced to the bench and did not return for the remainder of the contest, he made sure his teammates remained focused on closing out the game rather than worrying about his injury.
“I told them not to worry about me and to just focus on the game, luckily, we won,” Crisostomo told The Flame.
The Tigers responded by holding off a late La Salle push as foreign student-athlete Collins Akowe and wingman Amiel Acido delivered timely baskets in the closing stretch to secure UST’s second straight win.
Despite the setback, Crisostomo remained positive about his condition but said he would still undergo a checkup before UST’s next game in two weeks time.
“My knee is fine at the moment, but I’ll get it checked soon. It depends on the coaches whether or not they’ll let me play the next game,” he said.
Crisostomo has only played 12 minutes across two games, and has made two points in total.
The Tigers will seek back-to-back wins when they face the UE Red Warriors on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena. F
