PASAY—Far Eastern University answered every De La Salle University run to pick up a 90-78 victory in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
After losing to the Adamson Soaring Falcons on opening day, the Tamaraws have now won two straight games to join a five-way logjam at the top of the standings with a 2-1 record.
“I felt like we just prepared for it. I actually told the guys before the game that I felt we’re gonna start playing really good basketball,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers.
“What we did was we got in the gym; we got better. We pushed each other. Sometimes pain can be your best teacher.”
The Tamaraws also defeated the Green Archers during their late second-round surge last season.
FEU set the tone early, racing to a 25-13 lead before doing a good job of protecting its advantage despite repeated attempts from La Salle to mount a comeback.
The Green Archers appeared to find their rhythm in the third period as they picked up the pace, but Kirby Mongcopa came up big for the Tamaraws, scoring 13 points in the quarter to keep FEU in control heading into the fourth, 76-62.
The Tamaraws showcased their depth with five players scoring in double figures, led by Mongcopa’s 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and one block.
Rookie Cabs Cabonillas added 17 points and six rebounds, while Jorick Bautista contributed 12 points on 15 field-goal attempts.
Gambian center Mo Konateh delivered an all-around performance with 10 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, four steals, and three blocks, while Jedric Daa also scored 10 points in the victory.
Reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol chipped in seven points and four assists in just 12 minutes and 46 seconds of playing time, while Elias Gish and Luke Felipe added six points apiece.
Meanwhile, the Green Archers absorbed their second straight loss to fall to 1-2 and seventh place in the standings.
Luis Pablo led La Salle with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Mason Amos and Doy Dungo scored 10 points apiece.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
FEU will face the University of the Philippines at 5:30 p.m., while La Salle will take on the University of the East earlier at 3 p.m.
The Scores:
FEU (90) – Mongcopa 20, Cabonilas 17, Bautista 12, Konateh 10, Daa 10, Pasaol 7, Gish 6, Felipe 6, Hall 2, Burgos 0, Nakai 0, Rañeses 0.
DLSU (78) – Pablo 15, Amos 10, Dungo 10, Tovera 8, Macalalag 8, Abadam 8, Cortez 6, Agunanne 6, Daep 4, Gagate 3, Marasigan 0.
Quarters: 25-13, 52-38, 76-62, 90-78.
