University of the East has emerged as a strong contender for the Final Four in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament as the eventful first round drew to a close.
Leading the charge is Wello Lingolingo, who was named the Collegiate Press Corps UAAP Player of the Week, an honor backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, with Discovery Suites and World Balance as minor sponsors for the week of October 2 to 6.
Lingolingo displayed both his scoring range and clutch ability in two key performances that dealt blows to both the struggling Ateneo Blue Eagles and the resurgent Adamson Soaring Falcons.
In UE’s first-round finale against Adamson, Lingolingo saved his team with a buzzer-beating shot that secured the win.
This came just days after a 13-point performance in 19 minutes against Ateneo, where he helped the Red Warriors stay in control.
Across both victories, Lingolingo averaged 11.5 points while shooting an impressive 67-percent from the field and 67-percent from beyond the arc.
He also contributed 3.5 rebounds and 3.0 steals per game, propelling UE to solo third place at the end of Round 1.
The Red Warriors have now won five straight games, their longest winning streak in nine years. This marks UE’s best start to a UAAP season in 17 years, since their undefeated run in Season 70, which was led by Paul Lee.
Lingolingo edged out teammate Precious Momowei, La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao and Joshua David, UST’s Mo Tounkara, and NU’s Kenshin Padrones for the weekly honor.
Reflecting on his big moment, Lingolingo shared: “Sinasabi ni Coach Jack [Santiago] na hindi dapat hinahanap ‘yung laro, hayaan mong ‘yung laro ‘yung pupunta sayo. ‘Yun lang yung ginagawa ko, wala akong tinitake na forced shot.
“Nung ‘di ako makatira ng tres, humanap talaga ako ng way kung paano maka-contribute sa team especially sa defense,” he added.
“Binibigyan niya ako ng tiwala, binibigyan niya ako ng kumpyansa sa sarili sa kung ano ‘yung kaya kong gawin, so thankful lang talaga ako.”
With Lingolingo’s leadership and the team’s growing momentum, UE is well-positioned to make a serious run in the second round.
