INJURED big man Papi Sarr watched from the sidelines as Ateneo blasted his Adamson team, 85-65, in the UAAP Season 80 men's basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
As much as he wanted to hop inside the court, Sarr couldn't do anything to rescue the Falcons from the blowout loss after being shelved by a groin injury he suffered a few days ago.
His counterpart, Chibueze Ikeh, ran amok in his absence, tallying 14 points and 13 rebounds in the first half to set the tone for the Blue Eagles.
Ikeh continued to dominate the paint and finished with 18 markers and 17 boards as Ateneo joined National University as opening day's winners.
"I was really frustrated seeing my team go down against Ateneo," he said shortly after the match.
"We're supposed to beat them. I didn't see anything new with them. But it's okay, it's part of the game."
[See Blue Eagles soar to a huge win over Falcons in Season 80 opening game]
Sarr is hoping to get the green light from his doctor in time for the Falcons' next match against University of Santo Tomas on Saturday.
"I will ask my doctors first. If they give me clearance to play, I will play," he said.
"Hopefully I'll get better next game so I can help the team."
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