By Jun Ray Navarres
Wello Lingolingo delivered a game-winning shot to lift University of the East past Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, 63-62, on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After a heated exchange in the final period and the shot clock turned off, UE found themselves relying on Nico Mulingtapang, who badly missed a fadeaway jumper.
Lingolingo picked up the loose ball, went up, adjusted mid-air to evade Joshua Yerro’s extended hand and sunk the game winning shot.
“Sinasabi ni coach Jack (Santiago) na hindi dapat hinahanap ‘yung laro, hayaan mo ‘yung laro ‘yung pupunta sayo. ‘Yun lang ‘yung ginagawa ko, wala akong tinitake na forced shot. ‘Yung game-winning shot, hindi ko talaga inexpect. Parang nandoon lang talaga ako tapos na-make ko lang salamat kay God,” shared Lingolingo.
The win extended the Red Warriors’ streak to five and held on to the number three spot after round 1 of the tournament. This is UE’s longest winning run since Season 77 when they also made five straight.
“‘Yung winning streak namin is giving me pressure talaga. I’m so happy with the guys at least ngayon nakikita ko talaga na ‘yung character namin starting to build and talagang ayaw magpatalo ng mga bata,” said coach Santiago.
Lingolingo finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three steals while Precious Momowei added 14 points, 11 rebounds and three steals despite resting for a total of only 23sec.
Devin Fikes finished with 11 baskets built on three threes and returning Ethan Galang contributed 10 on a perfect 4-4 shooting from the field.
Meanwhile, this is the second time that Adamson threw away a double-digit advantage after losing a 22-point lead against University of the Philippines.
The Soaring Falcons are now seated at fifth spot with 3-4 standing.
Images courtesy of UAAP Media Bureau
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