Lingao-Lingao, Arao shine brightest in openers

Big men Joseph Lingao-Lingao of National U and Ford Arao of Ateneo de Manila came to their team’s rescue with impressive games in the inaugurals of the UAAP 70th season.

Lingao-Lingo, 24, came through with career highs 17 points, 13 rebounds including eight on the offensive end and five block shots as the Bulldogs nailed their first opening game win in league memory by edging the Far Eastern U Tams, 73-70, in overtime Saturday at the Big Dome.

A day later, Arao, 23, dished out stirring performance with 20 points, half of the output in extra period and 15 boards in leading the Eagles to a 69-63 win over the Adamson Falcons at the Cuneta Astrodome.

These were enough for them to be named the first Players of the Week of the UAAP Press Corps.

It was indeed a significant leap for Lingao-Lingao and Arao, who toiled under the shadows of their more illustrious teammates in the past.

Lingao-Lingao averaged only eight points, five rebounds and a block last season while Arao never normed more than four points and four rebounds in his first four seasons as an Eagle.

“I’m giving it my best because it’s my last season in the UAAP,” Arao said.

“He (Lingao-Lingao) really wants to make a big impact this season,” said NU coach Manny Dandan.

Lingao-Lingao and Arao bested La Salle’s Cholo Villanueva, NU’s Edwin Asoro and University of the East’s Mark Borboran for the weekly plum.