The UE Red Warriors’ John Abate. Photo from UAAP Media

MANILA (UPDATED) — John Abate and Wello Lingolingo waxed hot on Sunday for the University of the East to blemish De La Salle University's erstwhile unbeaten record.

The Red Warriors stunned the Green Archers, 75-71, during their UAAP Season 87 men's basketball clash at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, and powering this win was the combined 9-of-13 shooting of the aforementioned duo.

Abate had 20 points -- going 3/3 from three-point range -- while Lingolingo finished with 18 as he went 6/10 from beyond the arc.

The Archers almost stormed back in the final quarter reminiscent of their preseason comeback win against the same squad, but Kevin Quiambao missed both of his tries at the 15-foot-line as La Salle looked to tie the game. 

"Sabi ko sa mga boys, mag stick lang kami sa gameplan namin. For sure, La Salle will make a run, so we just needed to weather the storm," said UE head coach Jack Santiago after the game. 

La Salle had multiple chances to tie and even overtake UE despite being down by 17, but Santiago said that it was their determination that willed them to eventually stave off the defending champions. 

"We had a serious talk nung halftime. I told the boys that we are capable of winning this game, in-emphasize ko lang sa kanila na kaya nila kahit na star-studded yung La Salle," he said.

"This line up, ito yung capable maka-match up sa ibang teams. The boys responded well and they accepted the challenge. Alam na nila ngayon na kaya nilang mag laro at kaya nilang talunin yung number one team."

Abate then went on to ice the game with a perfect trip to the line, and that was all they needed to get their second-straight win. 

Following this game, UE improved to 2-2, while La Salle is now at 3-1 in the team standings. 

Aside from getting one against the Kevin Quiambao-starred team, what mattered the most for Santiago was how the Recto-based squad learned that they could bang with the big boys of the UAAP.

"Nakikta ko sila every day, so alam ko na we are capable of beating big teams. We just need to accept yung individual roles ng mga bata. I know lahat talented, I know we have a deep bench, but ang kailangan dito is to accept yung kanya-kanyang role. One, two, or three minutes, kailangan ibigay yung best," he said.

La Salle was led by Quiambao with 17 markers, nine boards, and five dimes, but with four turnovers, while Mike Phillips had a 16-point, nine-rebound game on top of five steals, two blocks, and an assist. 

The Scores:

UE 75 -- Abate 20, Lingolingo 18, Wilson 10, Galang 7, Maga 7, Momowei 5, J. Cruz-Dumont 5, Fikes 3, Jimenez 0, Mulingtapang 0, Malaga 0.

La Salle 71 – Quiambao 17, M. Phillips 16, Marasigan 10, Agunanne 8, Gollena 6, Macalalag 5, Gonzales 3, David 2, Abadam 2, Dungo 2, Ramiro 0.

Quarterscores: 28-11, 42-38, 56-50, 75-71.

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