Second half breakaway earns UE victory

c/o UAAP

Games today at the SM Mall of Asia Arena

8 a.m. – AdU vs Ateneo (JHS)

10 a.m. – UP vs AdU (Women)

12 noon – UST vs FEU (Women)

3:30 p.m. – UP vs AdU (Men)

6:30 p.m. – UST vs FEU (Men)

Wello Lingolingo sparked University of the East’s breakaway in the third quarter to dispose of National University, 74-58, and return to the win column of the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.

Lingolingo was scoreless in the first half but nailed 12 points in the third period that propelled the Red Warriors to a 25-11 tally to extend their lead to a 53-35 advantage.

Precious Momowei also had a hand in that game-deciding frame as well as Rainer Maga who drilled a jumper to beat the buzzer for the 18-point margin.

UE made an adjustment after its Wednesday match-up against University of the Philippines was postponed due to Severe Tropical Storm Kristine.  Their first scheduled game was originally set last Saturday but was moved to Nov. 3.

“Actually, ‘yung postponement ng games namin, merong positive and negative sides. First, negative, kasi ang tagal namin kumbaga rusty yung players namin. Positive because the guys na medyo may mga injuries, naka-recover kami and then we gave some minutes din sa guys na hindi masyado nakakapaglaro,” said UE head coach Jack Santiago as his team went on an unexpected two-week break due to suspension of games.

Nigerian center Momowei finished with 17 points and 17 rebounds with his free throw shooting a notable improvement, going 9-of-11. Prior to this match, he was shooting 39.73 percent from the line.

Lingolingo ended up with 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals, while Ethan Galang made four triples for 12 points.

“Play hard nga tapos huwag lang kalimutan ienjoy yung laro kasi may nangyari kanina sa second quarter so nag-huddle kami, nag-regroup kami so pinagaan namin yung vibe para yung rest mag-follow,” said Lingolingo as Momowei and John Abate had an altercation in the second frame.

UE bounced back after losing to De La Salle University last time out to improve its record to 6-3, strengthening its hold of the third spot.

This victory was more decisive compared to their first round 57-51 win over the Bulldogs wherein they needed Lingolingo’s heroics late in the game to escape.

UE looks to get another win streak going on Wednesday when it battles Adamson University, still at the same Pasay venue.

NU’s struggles continued, receiving its third straight defeat to drop to 2-8 at eighth place.

Rookie Tebol Garcia led the Bulldogs with 12 points, while Jolo Manansala added 11 points and eight rebounds. They shot poorly from the field, making just 18 of their 68 attempts for 26.5 percent.

NU’s next match will be against University of the Philippines on November 3 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Scores:

UE 74 – Momowei 17, Lingolingo 14, Galang 12, Maga 9, Abate 6, J. Cruz-Dumont 5, Fikes 3, Mulingtapang 2, Wilson 2, Spandonis 2, Robles 2, H. Cruz-Dumont 0, Malaga 0, Go 0, Finney 0, Jimenez 0.

NU 58 – Garcia 12, Manansala 11, Figueroa 9, Palacielo 7, Enriquez 7, Parks 3, Lim 3, Tulabut 3, Perciano 2, Santiago 1, Padrones 0, Yu 0, Jumamoy 0, Francisco 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarterscores: 13-6, 28-24, 53-35, 74-58.