University of the East head coach Jack Santiago heaped praises on his players after stepping up to the challenge against a team that was once its biggest hurdle for the past nine years.

The Red Warriors trounced the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 69-62, on Wednesday, Oct. 2, for their fourth consecutive win in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament.

The victory was a meaningful one as it was UE's first triumph over the mighty Ateneo since Season 78.

Despite the absence of Ethan Galang due to knee injury and John Abate’s struggles in the field, Santiago tipped his hat to his wards after they filled in the void especially in the crunch.

“Chinallenge ko lang ‘yong mga players [kasi no’ng] last practice, nasira na naman ‘yong aming rotation kasi one of our players got injured again. It’s Ethan Galang suffering right now from a knee problem.,” said Santiago. 

“Na-challenge lang sakin ‘yong mga bata kasi most of the players coming off the bench, they need to step up and fill the spot of Ethan Galang,” he added. “I’m so happy with the boys [that] they responded very well.”

After being down 47-37 in the early minutes of the final quarter, Wello Lingolingo, Precious Momowei, Nico Mulingtapang, Rainer Maga and Devin Fikes drilled in much-needed baskets to put the Recto-based squad to the top, 60-54.

“It’s a team sport. We’re all like one big family, so Ethan was injured… so we went out tonight, stepping up and we’re happy we got the win,” said Momowei, who chalked up 18 points and 15 rebounds in 40 minutes of play.

“Kasi lahat kami, family kami, so, need namin ng support from each other. Kahit wala ‘yong isa, kailangan mag step-up kami,” Maga added.
 

Maga is locked and loaded

Maga already knew his mission before this year’s opener – be ready and pour out everything when the need arises.

The proud son of Davao City became crucial in UE’s win over Ateneo after sinking two booming triples that delighted the crowd and importantly giving the Red Warriors a 57-54 cushion with 3 minutes left in the last frame.

“Bago pa mag-start ‘yong season napagusapan na namin nila coach ‘yong mga adjustments, kaya lagi lang akong handa if matawag ang pangalan ko,” said Maga.

“Grabe sobrang sarap po sa feeling no’ng pag-shoot po ng back-to-back triple ko and ganun din sa history na pagputol ng losing streak namin sa Ateneo,” he added.

UE will head to its final assignment in the first round, facing Adamson (3-3) Sunday, Oct. 6, at  Mall of Asia Arena.