FEU beats UP 90-79 to move into joint first in UAAP
Kirby Mongcopa scored 24 points as the Tamaraws improved to 3-1, while the Fighting Maroons fell to 2-2.
Far Eastern University scored 32 third-quarter points to defeat University of the Philippines 90-79 in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on October 4. The result put FEU in joint first place with a 3-1 record.
A narrow 43-41 half-time advantage became a commanding lead after the Tamaraws opened up a 16-2 scoring run, with Kirby Mongcopa leading the charge. FEU moved ahead 59-43 and stayed in control.
Jorick Bautista’s three-pointer as the shot clock ran down extended the margin to 25 points at 90-65 with 1:49 left. UP then scored 14 unanswered points, reaching the final score with about 34 seconds remaining.
Mongcopa finished with 24 points, nine rebounds and three assists. Bautista contributed 16 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Janrey Pasaol scored 15. Substitute Cabs Cabonilas supplied 11 points, five rebounds, two steals and one assist; Mo Konateh recorded 10 points and 11 rebounds.
Veejay Pre led UP with 16 points and five rebounds in his first appearance against his former team, where he earned Rookie of the Year honours. Francis Nnoruka contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two blocks and two steals, while Rey Remogat scored 12. UP’s 2-2 record left it among several teams tied in the lower half of the standings.
