UAAP suspends Lingolingo for 3 games following Baclaan’s MCL tear

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) slapped University of the East’s Wello Lingolingo with a three-game suspension for the unsportsmanlike foul that resulted in Kean Baclaan’s torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury in his knee on Oct. 16, 2025.

“Upon 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,” read the statement from the UAAP.

With the heavy penalty, Lingolingo is set to miss three crucial matches against Far Eastern University, National University, and the first game of the second-round elimination phase.

The Red Warriors will also be losing one of their top scorers, as Lingolingo is currently having one of his best UAAP seasons, averaging 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.

In retrospect, Lingolingo accidentally dove into Baclaan’s right knee, which turned out to be NU’s worst nightmare during their come-from-behind 111-110 overtime win.

Despite UE claiming it was unintentional, the game referees assessed a Category 2 unsportsmanlike foul on Lingolingo, resulting in his ejection with four minutes of basketball action still to be played.

Before exiting the floor with a torn MCL, Baclaan had already tallied 17 points and was bound for a strong finish with plenty of time still remaining in regulation.

Lingolingo has since broken his silence via a social media post on his official Instagram account, offering a sincere apology to Baclaan, his family, and the entire NU community.

“It was never my intention to hurt anyone,” Lingolingo wrote.

“I was simply going for a usual loose ball dive, something we players instinctively do in the heat of the game. I also want to express my respect to the UAAP and to everyone who continues to uphold fair play and sportsmanship in collegiate basketball.”

Baclaan, who has been active on his official Facebook account, revealed that everything has been settled following a talk with Lingolingo.

“Sadya man o hindi, kasama talaga ’yan sa larangan na ginagalawan namin. Okay na kami at nakapag-usap na kami at nakahingi na siya ng pasensya sa’kin,” Baclaan posted.