The Red Warriors improved to a 2-1 record against Season 86 Final Four teams after drubbing NU in UAAP Season 87 action.
The UE Red Warriors extended their win streak to three after a gutsy decision over the NU Bulldogs, 57-51, in UAAP Season 87 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, September 28.
Wello Lingolingo was the late-game hero as he converted on the dagger triple to push UE’s lead to four, 53-49, with 41.4 seconds remaining, giving UE some much-needed breathing room.
He then hit clutch free throws to ice the game and help the Red Warriors improve to 3-2.
While Wello had his amazing moments, it was also the defense that won the game for the Red Warriors as they forced a crucial turnover off of Steve Nash Enriquez, forcing NU to play the foul game with 26.4 seconds left.
Though Jolo Manansala made things interesting for NU with a bucket to cut the lead to two with 19.5 remaining, Lingolingo made sure to finish the story for UE as he sank two clutch free throws to make it a two-possession ball game.
With the win, UE sent NU further reeling as the Bulldogs dropped to 1-5.
The Red Warriors leaned on the team-high scoring output of John Abate with 15 points. Lingolingo, meanwhile, chipped in eight points with his timely buckets in the clutch.