By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the East resumed its winning ways and turned back National University, 57-51, in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday evening, Sept. 28.
Wello Lingolingo showed nerves of steel in the pivotal 41.4 seconds of the game, sinking a booming triple to give the Warriors a 53-49 lead that served as the coup de grace to the Bulldogs’ heart.
The win was UE’s third straight after bowing its first two assignments to University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, improving its tally to 3-2 for fourth place.
John Abate drilled in 15 points on top of six rebounds while Lingolingo backed him up with eight points — including that crucial triple and two free throws that sealed the deal for the Warriors.
NU sank deeper into the cellar after absorbing its fourth straight loss for 1-5.
The scores:
UE (57) – Abate 15, Lingolingo 8, Galang 7, Wilson 6, Maga 6, Momowei 5, Fikes 5, J. Cruz-Dumont 3, Malaga 2, Go 0, Robles 0, Mulingtapang 0, Spandonis 0.
NU (51) – Enriquez 9, Manansala 8, Jumamoy 8, Padrones 8, Lim 6, Figueroa 4, Francisco 3, Santiago 3, Palacielo 2, Yu 0, Perciano 0, Garcia 0, Tulabut 0, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0.
Quarterscores: 10-15, 30-35, 44-43, 57-51
