UNIVERSITY of the East active consultant Lawrence Chongson said he meant no ill will towards La Salle over his controversial gesture celebrating the Red Warriors' 89-88 thriller over the Green Archers on Saturday.
Cameras caught the brash bench tactician making a throat-slitting gesture while wagging his tongue before heading to the dugout in triumph after UE won its first game of the season at the expense of the Green Archers.
Chongson, however, said the gesture wasn't directed at La Salle.
"Wala yun. It's slaying the ghost of our losing streak," he said in a video shared by ABS-CBN analyst Mikee Reyes.
The Red Warriors halted a three-game losing skid this season and finally won in the UAAP after losing their past 12 games thanks to the heroics of Rey Suerte, who buried a pair of booming treys, the last proving to be the winner with 3.2 seconds left to play.
"Masarap. Nabunutan ng tinik sa dibdib," added Chongson, who took on a more active role on the bench to support new head coach Bong Tan.
The former Tanduay mentor also reiterated that he is not out there to disrespect any opposing school, more so La Salle which was his alma mater.
"I love La Salle. Animo! Lasalista ata ito," he said.
It was UE's first victory over La Salle in five years, or since Roi Sumang and Bong Galanza lifted the Red Warriors to a 68-66 thriller over the Jeron Teng-led Green Archers back in September 10, 2014 in Season 77.
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