Lingolingo delivers Sunday thriller

MANILA, Philippines — It’s a Sunday winner for Wello Lingolingo and the raging University of the East Warriors.

Lingolingo came through with a huge buzzer-beater as UE pulled off a 63-62 escape act against Adamson at the end of the first round of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball eliminations yesterday at the MOA Arena.

The versatile winger picked up an offensive rebound off Nico Mulingtapang’s missed jumper in the waning seconds and struck on a double-pump off Joshua Yerro in a nick of time to lift the Warriors to the thriller of a win.

Lingolingo scored seven of his 10 points in the payoff period while Precious Momowei was a solid presence throughout with 14 points and 11 rebounds as UE nailed a fifth straight win.

The Warriors are at third spot with a 5-2 win-loss card entering the second round.

It’s the best start for the Recto-based squad in 10 years since the stellar run of the batch led by Roi Sumang in the 77th season.

Devin Fikes (11) and Ethan Galang (10) were also instrumental as the Warriors sustained their hot run.

“Right place at the right time lang talaga. Noong nakita ko ‘yung oras, hindi na ako nag-dalawang isip. Tinira ko nalang talaga and luckily, pumasok,” said Lingolingo, releasing the ball with under a second left.

For coach Jack Santiago, it’s about the character and resilience of the Warriors.

“I’m happy with the guys at least ngayon nakikita ko talaga ‘yung character namin na starting to build up. Talagang ayaw magpatalo ng mga bata,” said Santiago.

In the main game, reigning champion La Salle (6-1), led by Kevin Quiambao with a 20-10 double-double, snapped the unbeaten run of host UP (6-1) with a 68-56 win.