By MARK REY MONTEJO
The win by University of the East over reigning champion La Salle proved to be the push the Warriors needed to be in the limelight once again.
And thanks to a hardworking guard from Zamboanga in Wello Lingolingo, the Warriors streaked to their fifth win with a 63-62 thriller over the Adamson Falcons to cap their remarkable winning streak in the UAAP Season 87.
“Naniniwala parin na ako kaya ng mga players ko… mula no’ng natalo namin ‘yong defending champions,” said UE coach Jack Santiago. “Naramdaman na nila na kaya pala namin, mula no’n nagtrabaho lang kami and [hinarap] lang namin ‘yong mga challenges na kaharap namin.”
They finished with a 5-2 record – second best behind the Archers and the University of the Philippines who both have similar 6-1 marks.
For sure, the 5-game winning run – the first by the Recto-based squad in a decade – will give the 18-time champion the added motivation heading into the crucial second round.
An added pressure for Santiago, too.
“Itong winning streak namin it’s giving me pressure talaga, [and] I’m very thankful na nasusunod talaga [yong mga plays namin],” said Santiago.
“I’m so happy with the guys at least nakikita ko ‘yong character namin is starting to build and ayaw magpatalo ng mga bata,” he added. “Sinabi ko sa kanila na… by next game zero-zero ulit kami, hindi kami magre-relax coming to the second round.”
They ought to.
Besides, they’re not yet sure of making into the playoffs since they have now a huge target on their backs.
They should also be aware that the Archers have been playing great since their 75-71 defeat two weeks ago.
On his buzzer-beating basket, Lingolingo tried to play it down, saying: “Sinasabi lang ni coach (Jack Santiago) na hindi dapat hinahanap ‘yong laro, hayaan mong laro ang pupunta sayo,” said Lingolingo, who finished with 10 points, five rebounds and three steals off the bench.
“‘Yon lang ang ginagawa ko wala akong tine-take na poor shot, so no’ng di ako makatira ng tres [and] humanap lang ako ng way para maka-contribute sa team… especially sa defense [and] ‘yong game-winning shot ‘di ko talaga in-expect,” he added.
