Bone Contusion Recovery Puts Crisostomo Near UST Comeback
UST enters the UAAP Season 89 second round with consecutive victories and another important addition approaching its next assignment. Forward Gelo Crisostomo expects to return after missing most of the first round while recovering from a bone contusion.
Gelo Crisostomo Set for UST Second-Round Return
Rommel Fuertes Jr. of INQUIRER.net covered Crisostomo’s expected return after UST completed its first-round schedule against Ateneo. Crisostomo said he could have played during UST’s 80-68 victory, but coaches preferred waiting until the second round.
The forward suffered a bone contusion during the opening week and remained unavailable while completing rehabilitation and receiving additional rest. His expected return gives UST another available player as the Growling Tigers prepare for their remaining Season 89 assignments.
“Actually, I could’ve played today but the coaches told me to play in the second round to be safe,” said Crisostomo.
“I’ve been ready to play for a while now but the coaches told me to focus on rehab and rest.”
Image from: Tiebreaker Times
Coaches Give Forward Additional Recovery Time
Crisostomo said UST’s coaches delayed his return despite his readiness, allowing him additional rehabilitation before second-round competition begins. The decision kept him sidelined against Ateneo even though the forward believed he was already capable of returning to action.
UST Finishes UAAP First Round With 4-3 Record
UST completed the first round at 4-3 after defeating Far Eastern University and Ateneo in consecutive Season 89 games. Those victories followed an 87-85 overtime defeat against National University, decided by Reinhard Jumamoy’s late three-pointer for the Bulldogs.
The Growling Tigers responded by beating FEU, 81-69, after overcoming a 13-point halftime deficit against the tournament leaders. UST then defeated Ateneo, 80-68, at Quadricentennial Pavilion to complete its seven-game first-round schedule with consecutive victories.
Tigers Beat FEU and Ateneo in Consecutive Games
UST overturned its halftime deficit against FEU before following that comeback with another victory over Ateneo in its next assignment. The two results lifted the Growling Tigers to 4-3 entering the second round after their overtime defeat against National University.
Crisostomo Rejoins UST After Bone Contusion
Crisostomo’s bone contusion kept him unavailable for most of UST’s opening-round schedule after the injury occurred during the season’s first week. He continued rehabilitation during his absence before telling reporters that he had already felt ready to resume playing.
UST nevertheless kept Crisostomo sidelined through the Ateneo game, leaving his competitive return for the beginning of second-round action. His comeback will follow an opening round in which the Tigers developed their current rotation largely without the injured forward available.
Forward Says He Has Been Ready to Play
Crisostomo said he had felt ready for some time, although UST’s coaches instructed him to prioritize rehabilitation and additional rest. His comments place the decision with the coaching staff while establishing the second round as the target for his return.
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Acido Wants UST to Maintain Its System
Amiel Acido scored 15 points against Ateneo as UST completed the first round with its second consecutive victory. Afterward, Acido emphasized maintaining the Growling Tigers’ established system when the team begins its remaining Season 89 schedule.
His comments followed a productive closing stretch that moved UST above .500 after seven games against its first-round opponents. Acido focused on collective execution rather than individual expectations as the Tigers prepared to transition into the tournament’s second half.
“We’ll give our hundred percent every game and we’ll stick to our system in the coming games,” Acido said after turning in 15 points against the Blue Eagles.
UST Guard Scores 15 Points Against Ateneo
Acido contributed 15 points during UST’s 80-68 victory over Ateneo, helping the Tigers secure their fourth first-round victory. His postgame comments emphasized effort and adherence to UST’s system as the Growling Tigers prepared for second-round competition.
Llemit Emphasizes Chemistry With Crisostomo Back
Mark Llemit also scored 15 points against Ateneo before addressing Crisostomo’s expected return during preparations for the second round. Llemit pointed specifically toward training as UST adjusts to having the returning forward available again following his extended absence.
His comments connected Crisostomo’s comeback with the work required before UST resumes competition against its Season 89 opponents. The Tigers enter that preparation period at 4-3 after finishing their first-round schedule with victories over FEU and Ateneo.
“We need to start in training, especially now that Gelo is back, it’s a different conversation now. We’ll be ready,” he said.
Training Becomes Focus Before Second Round
Llemit said UST must begin preparing during training now that Crisostomo is returning to the Growling Tigers’ available group. His comments place the team’s immediate focus on practice before UST begins navigating its seven remaining second-round assignments.
Analytical Breakdown: More Lineup Options Strengthen UST
Crisostomo’s return gives UST valuable lineup flexibility as second-round opponents begin making adjustments based on established first-round rotations. His availability should help distribute minutes while giving the Tigers another option for managing matchups, fatigue, and defensive assignments. UST becomes more dangerous if Crisostomo strengthens its depth without disrupting the chemistry behind its consecutive victories entering the second round.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Gelo Crisostomo return for UST?
Crisostomo is expected to return during the UAAP Season 89 second round after recovering from his bone contusion.
Why did Gelo Crisostomo miss UST games?
Crisostomo suffered a bone contusion during the first week of Season 89 and remained sidelined while completing rehabilitation.
What is UST’s record after the first round?
UST completed the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball first round with a 4-3 record and consecutive victories.
Who did UST beat before the second round?
The Growling Tigers closed the first round with consecutive victories over Far Eastern University and Ateneo.
How did Acido and Llemit perform against Ateneo?
Amiel Acido and Mark Llemit scored 15 points apiece during UST’s 80-68 victory over the Blue Eagles.
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