Top Most Valuable Player contender Schonny Winston finally got a piece of action for De La Salle University after missing four straight games in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 men's basketball tournament due calf injury.

Although his stint was brief – a total of three seconds on the floor – Winston was glad to return to court and get a feel of the game once again.

"It was just to get my feet wet to try to slowly integrate me back into the coach's system," Winston said following the all-important 63-58 win of the Green Archers over third-running National University on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Winston checked in with just four ticks left in the opening period before spending the remainder of the game cheering for his teammates.

"Just anything to help, support the team, get a feel of putting on the jersey on and playing in the arena again. When I really come back full blast, it's gradual. It felt good," he said.

La Salle coach Derrick Pumaren said he just wanted Winston to slowly get the feel of the game after a long absence. It was Winston's first appearance in the second round after putting up impressive numbers in the Green Archers' first seven assignments.

"We just tried to make him feel as I've said he's a game-time decision and I just want him to get a feel of the court and if he's ready. When the time comes that he will play then he knows the feeling because he's been out for four games," Pumaren said.

Winston's return came just in time as the race for the top individual award requires at least 10 games played.

In his first seven outings in the season, Winston averaged 21.29 points, 6.14 rebounds, 3.57 assists, 3.0 steals, and 0.14 blocks per game with a norm of 32.20 minutes of action.

But winning the MVP plum is the least of his concerns right now.