Wello Lingolingo, right, celebrates after hitting the game-winner at the buzzer to push UE past Adamson in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Wello Lingolingo was in the right place and at the right time to save the day for University of the East in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday.
Struggling in the first three quarters, Lingolingo remained patient and was rewarded in the end after sinking a double clutch jumper at the buzzer to lift UE past Adamson, 63-62.
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“Tinuturo niya (coach LA) sa akin yung winning mentality na wag magpatalo at saka yung sinabi niya sa akin kanina, right place at the right time,” Lingolingo told reporters, referring to Red Warriors assistant coach LA Revilla.
READ: UAAP: Family fueling Lingolingo’s inspired play for resurgent UE
OH. MY. GOODNESS! Good night, UE! This is for you! 💣
WATCH: UE’s Wello Lingolingo sinks the game-winning shot over Adamson in front of a rowdy Red Warrior crowd! #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/HvUETw6D5G
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) October 6, 2024
“Nakita ko yung oras hindi na ako nagdalawang isip itira talaga kasi wala na rin akong ibang magagawa doon so luckily napasok yung shot. Thanks to God.”
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The third-year guard followed his coach’s advice when he grabbed the offensive rebound after a missed shot by Nico Mulingtapang before burying the game-winner that sent his team and supporters into a wild celebration.
“Habang hindi pa tapos yung oras patuloy pa rin sa paglalaro, yun lang yung mentality ko. Nung na-grab ko yung bola naisip ko na konting konti na lang yung oras so tine-take ko na yun as an opportunity to get that shot,” said Lingolingo, who scored eight of his 10 points in the final frame.
READ: UAAP: Running on Precious fuel, UE looks to beef up streak
Wello Lingolingo on his game winner. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/ztQZcIno0U
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 6, 2024
“Kini-keep namin yung winning mentality kahit ano mangyari so yun nga sinasabi ni coach palagi one game at a time. Ayaw namin talaga magpatalo yun yung sinasabi kong winning mentality kahit ano mangyari,” he added.
Lingolingo’s heroics stretched the second-running Red Warriors’ winning streak to five games–their longest since 2014–after opening the season at 0-2.
“Masaya siyempre lalo na para kay coach. Binibigyan niya ako ng tiwala, binibigyan niya ako ng kumpyansa sa sarili kung ano yung kaya kong gawin so thankful lang,” said Lingolingo.
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