By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of the East is keeping its foot on the ground despite gaining huge momentum in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.
After two early losses, the Red Warriors listed their third consecutive win courtesy of a 57-51 triumph over the NU Bulldogs on Saturday, Sept. 28.
One of the stars in UE’s hot streak is sweet-shooting guard Wello Lingolingo.
The Zamboangueño only scored eight, but his biggest hits came at the right time after draining a triple with less than a minute left before sinking two free throws with 14 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Though glad he was able to deliver in the crunch, Lingolingo said there is nothing to celebrate as it is still far from their goal of advancing to the Final Four.
“Na-fulfill namin yung kumpiyansa [namin] sa sarili, sa team. Sabi nga ni coach na hindi magiging complacent kasi ito palang ‘yong panalo namin,” said Lingolingo.
“So, we need to work on that. We need to work on our next games. We need to work on how to get a final four first before finals,” he added.
Lingolingo has been pouring it all along with John Abate, Precious Momowei and Ethan Galang. He believes the team is continuously seeing progress after the departure of star guard Noy Remogat who had transferred to UP.
“Siyempre, uhaw parin kasi hindi enough yung tatlong sunod na panalo,” he continued. “So, goal talaga namin, mag-final four first. So, we can get on to the next na ‘yon lang.”
