FUMBLING a rare home court advantage and an opportunity to play in front of their home fans, Mo Tounkara is out today for a one-game suspension as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers look to bounce back.
Malian center Tounkara, UST’s leading scorer in prior games, has been suspended for one game after absorbing two technical fouls against DLSU Green Archer for unnecessary taunting, an unsportsmanlike conduct.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Tounkara drew his first tech at 5:41 in the first quarter for purposefully flexing in front of DLSU’s Henry Agunnane. Tounkara was called for a second tech at 3:38 of the fourth quarter after clapping on Mike Phillips’ face.
“I was too much in the game, I have to control myself,” said Tounkara. “I think if I was there, we would have much more chances to win this game. Sometimes I get too much in the game, but I have to control myself.”
The Growling Tigers, who are on a two-game losing run, will be without a key player when they face the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) Blue Eagles today, October 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
No place like home
Despite needing to play without Tounkara, the Ateneo Blue Eagle tranferee Forthsky Padrigao is ready to face his former team. However, the team must be cautious even if they are in their home court, as edges can go both ways.
“We can’t be complacent. Minsan kasi may dagdag pressure ‘yan, gigil ka mag-perform, so you don’t play at your best. So for us, we’ll treat it as just like any other game and try to perform,” said Padrigao.
“Siyempre, mabigat sa amin na wala si Mo, but we’ll try to make up for that loss and devise a game plan, so that we can win because we really need this win,” added Padrigao.
Next man up
With the Growling Tigers now holding a 4-5 win-loss record and still in the midst of the UAAP Season 87 Final Four race, today’s game is crucial, as another defeat will send them further down a close standings.
Given the big gap in the middle, UST will have to rely on undersized forwards Christian Manaytay, Gelo Crisostomo, and Migs Pangilinan, as well as young bigs Zain Mahmood and Echo Laure, to fill the void.
Photo Courtesy: UAAP Media Group
Nic Cabañero, who recorded 23 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals in their previous game, is anticipated to lead the team.
A busy Saturday
Meanwhile, the reigning champions DLSU Green Archers will aim to extend their winning streak to six when they meet the Final Four-seeking AdU Soaring Falcons, who are currently on a three-game slide, at 3:30PM.
However, the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament schedule today will begin with a game between UST and ADMU, which will be played at 12:00PM.
