GIVE Wello Lingolingo this day.
The veteran forward saved University of the East from the jaws of defeat, knocking down the game-winning jumper to take the 63-62 thriller over Adamson on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Lingolingo got the timely offensive rebound off a Nico Mulingtapang miss and double-pumped the winner off the glass over the outstretched arms of Joshua Yerro to continue this hot five-game win streak for the Recto squad in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
“Nandoon lang talaga ako,” said Lingolingo of his late game heroics that put the exclamation point on his 10-point, 5-rebound, and 3-steal night.
“Sinasabi ni coach Jack [Santiago] na 'di dapat hinahanap yung laro, hayaan mo lang yung laro na pumunta sa'yo. Nung 'di ako makatira ng tres, humanap lang ako ng way na maka-contribute sa defense.”
It capped off an amazing rally from UE, which fought back from a slow start and crawled from a 10-point hole to finish the first round with a 5-2 slate.
This is already the Red Warriors’ best start since going undefeated in Season 70 in 2007 where they swept all seven games behind the efforts of Paul Lee, Mark Borboran, and Hans Thiele.
But no question, this victory should silence all the doubters of UE’s position as a legitimate contender this year, as it could enter the second round as high as second place if the University of the Philippines beats La Salle in the second game.
“Yung win streak namin is giving me pressure talaga. I’m very thankful and answered prayers yung binibigay nila sa amin. Nakikita ko yung character namin is ayaw magpatalo ng mga bata,” said Santiago.
What makes this victory more amazing is how the Red Warriors did it.
Precious Momowei remained steady down low with 14 points, 11 rebounds, three steals, but was nonetheless grateful for Lingolingo for “saving my ass.”
Devin Fikes also kept their crew afloat, knocking down three treys in the first half for his 11 points, as Ethan Galang came alive in the second half and scored all of his 10 points in the final two frames to go with five boards.
Jack Cruz-Dumont had his best offensive game to date, nabbing eight points, five rebounds, and a pair of assists, steals, and blocks, and even Rain Maga’s four points came in the crucial juncture of the game as his gutsy drives kept the fire burning for the Red Warriors.
Adamson lost back-to-back games for the first time this season to slide to 3-4 in the standings.
Mathew Montebon almost continued to haunt UE as he got 12 points and four assists, but missed what could have been the dagger three in the final minute.
Matty Erolon also notched 11 points, as Royce Mantua and Cedrick Manzano both had nine in the defeat.
The Scores:
UE 63 – Momowei 14, Fikes 11, Lingolingo 10, Galang 10, J. Cruz-Dumont 8, Mulingtapang 4, Maga 4, Abate 2, Wilson 0, Spandonis 0, H. Cruz-Dumont 0.
ADAMSON 62 – Montebon 12, Erolon 11, Mantua 9, Manzano 9, Yerro 7, Calisay 6, Fransman 5, Anabo 2, Ojarikre 1, Barasi 0, Ramos 0, Ignacio 0, Barcelona 0, Dignadice 0.
Quarters: 18-23, 34-39, 48-50, 63-62.
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