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John Abate and Wello Lingolingo roll the games of their young lives as underdog UE trips defending UAAP men’s basketball champion La Salle to its first loss in Season 87
MANILA, Philippines – After a winless start to the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, underdog UE now holds a two-game winning streak within five days’ time after slaying defending champion La Salle in a 75-71 stunner at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, September 22.
With the huge upset in the bag, the Red Warriors are now 2-2 for the season after outstanding performances from John Abate and Wello Lingolingo, who led the charge with team-high scoring outputs of 20 and 18 points, respectively.
In a game to remember, Abate was near-perfect from the field with a 6-of-7 clip and 3-of-3 from three, including the game-sealing free throws with 4.4 seconds left, while Lingolingo — a known sniper since Season 86 — fired a 6-of-10 salvo from deep, including 3-of-3 in the initial 28-11 first-quarter pullaway.
“I will give credit to the boys because during our practice, I saw the intensity already,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago. “I just told them that we need to have a good start and as much as possible, we keep the game close. Again, the boys responded very well.”
In contrast, it was a game to forget for reigning MVP Kevin Quiambao, who still led La Salle with 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, but threw it all away after blowing two straight free throws that would have tied the contest with 5.1 ticks left, 71-73.
All game long, the Archers had their chances, as they successfully got within striking distance multiple times, including inching within two, 40-42, early in the third quarter.
UE, however, just had every answer on the other end, eventually pulling away anew with a 73-64 gap with 1:55 to play before La Salle somehow cobbled together a 7-0 desperation rally, capped with a Quiambao circus fling with 28.4 seconds left to again get within one possession, 71-73.
Michael Phillips backstopped Quiambao once again with a stellar line of 16 points, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 2 blocks as the Archers fell to a 3-1 slate, leaving 4-0 UP a full game ahead in solo first place.
The Scores
UE 75 – Abate 20, Lingolingo 18, Wilson 10, Galang 7, Maga 7, J. Cruz-Dumont 5, Momowei 5, Fikes 3, Jimenez 0, Mulingtapang 0, Malaga 0.
La Salle 71 – Quiambao 17, Phillips 16, Marasigan 10, Aguanne 8, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Gonzales 3, David 2, Dungo 2, Abadam 2, Ramiro 0.
Quarters: 28-11, 42-38, 56-50, 75-71.
– Rappler.com
