The UAAP whipped UE guard Wello Lingolingo with a three-game suspension following his unsportsmanlike foul that led to La Salle guard Kean Baclaan’s season-ending MCL injury during their game Wednesday at the MOA Arena.
After review, it was determined that the foul involved ‘excessive and forceful contact made by a player in an attempt to play the ball or an opponent’ as per the statement by the league.
It was deemed as an unsportsmanlike Criteria 2 after Lingolingo dove for possession and landed on the right knee of Baclaan at the 4:21 mark of the intense match won by the Green Archers in overtime, 111-110.
Lingolingo was then ejected from the game owing to a prior technical infraction for faking a foul in the third quarter.
Meanwhile, Baclaan, grimacing in pain, had to wear a knee gear as he was wheeled out of the venue by the medical team.
Baclaan’s MRI test yesterday revealed an MCL tear on his right knee, kissing his La Salle debut goodbye after his transfer from National U last season.
The mere call, even before UAAP’s suspension, drew the ire of UE mentor Chris Gavina as he harshly called out the officiating that took out one of his best players.
Lingolingo had had 24 points on his ejection.
Gavina was spared of any sanction.