Wello Lingolingo ignited University of the East’s third-quarter breakaway, propelling them to a 74-58 victory over National University and back into the win column in the UAAP Season 87 Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday.
Scoreless in the first half, Lingolingo caught fire in the third period, scoring 12 points in a 25-11 surge that extended the Red Warriors’ lead to 53-35.
Precious Momowei also played a pivotal role in the quarter, while Rainer Maga added a buzzer-beating jumper to give UE an 18-point cushion.
UE adjusted well after its Wednesday match-up against University of the Philippines was postponed due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.
Moreover, UE’s scheduled game against Far Eastern University – which was originally set last Sunday – was moved to Nov. 3.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Actually, ‘yung postponement ng games namin, merong positive and negative sides. First, negative, kasi ang tagal namin kumbaga rusty yung players namin,” UE head coach Jack Santiago explained, reflecting on the team’s unexpected two-week break.
“Positive because the guys na medyo may mga injuries, naka-recover kami and then we gave some minutes din sa guys na hindi masyado nakakapaglaro.”
Nigerian center Momowei posted a double-double with 17 points and 17 rebounds, He notably improved his free-throw shooting with a 9-of-11 performance after previously hitting only 39.73 percent from the line.
Lingolingo finished with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Ethan Galang contributed four three-pointers for a total of 12 points.
Lingolingo described the team’s approach, especially after a second-quarter altercation between Momowei and John Abate disrupted momentum: “Play hard nga tapos huwag lang kalimutan i-enjoy yung laro kasi may nangyari kanina sa second quarter. So nag-huddle kami, nag-regroup kami, so pinagaan namin yung vibe para yung rest mag-follow.”
This win was a strong response to their previous loss to De La Salle University, improving UE’s record to 6-3 and solidifying their hold on third place.
It was also a more decisive outcome than their narrow 57-51 victory over NU in the first round, where Lingolingo’s late-game heroics were crucial.
UE aims to build momentum in their next game against Adamson University on Wednesday at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Meanwhile, NU’s struggles continued, with the Bulldogs falling to 2-8 after their third consecutive loss.
Rookie Tebol Garcia led NU with 12 points, while Jolo Manansala chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds, though the Bulldogs struggled offensively, shooting only 18-of-68 (26.5%) from the field.
NU will face University of the Philippines next on November 3 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
UE 74 – Momowei 17, Lingolingo 14, Galang 12, Maga 9, Abate 6, J. Cruz-Dumont 5, Fikes 3, Mulingtapang 2, Wilson 2, Spandonis 2, Robles 2, H. Cruz-Dumont 0, Malaga 0, Go 0, Finney 0, Jimenez 0.
NU 58 – Garcia 12, Manansala 11, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Enriquez 7, Parks 3, Lim 3, Tulabut 3, Perciano 2, Santiago 1, Padrones 0, Yu 0, Jumamoy 0, Francisco 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 13-6, 28-24, 53-35, 74-58.
