University of the East resumed its winning ways and turned back National University, 57-51, in UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Saturday evening, Sept. 28.

Wello Lingolingo showed nerves of steel in the pivotal 41.4 seconds of the game, sinking a booming triple to give the Warriors a 53-49 lead that served as the coup de grace to the Bulldogs’ heart.

The win was UE’s third straight after bowing its first two assignments to University of Santo Tomas and University of the Philippines, improving its tally to 3-2 for fourth place.

John Abate drilled in 15 points on top of six rebounds while Lingolingo backed him up with eight points -- including that crucial triple and two free throws that sealed the deal for the Warriors.

NU sank deeper into the cellar after absorbing its fourth straight loss for 1-5.

The Bulldogs took an early breakaway in the opening frame and led by as many as eight, 18-10 midway the second before keeping the pace with a 35-30 edge at the half.

But the Warriors ignited their tempo in the third period, grabbing a slim 44-43 advantage before seizing control, 50-45, in the last five minutes of the game and watching Lingolingo deliver the final nail in the coffin.

The scores:
UE (57) – Abate 15, Lingolingo 8, Galang 7, Wilson 6, Maga 6, Momowei 5, Fikes 5, J. Cruz-Dumont 3, Malaga 2, Go 0, Robles 0, Mulingtapang 0, Spandonis 0.
NU (51) – Enriquez 9, Manansala 8, Jumamoy 8, Padrones 8, Lim 6, Figueroa 4, Francisco 3, Santiago 3, Palacielo 2, Yu 0, Perciano 0, Garcia 0, Tulabut 0, Dela Cruz 0, Parks 0.
Quarterscores: 10-15, 30-35, 44-43, 57-51