By Gabrielle Amber Bellosillo
Notching their first win, Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws blew out the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 93-70, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tourney earlier today, September 26, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Despite UE drawing first blood, team captain Jorick Bautista and center Mo Konateh quickly answered to spark a run in the first quarter.
The green-and-gold cagers found their rhythm, not allowing the Red Warriors to come back by keeping control to extend the score, 23-15.
Despite the Recto-based squad’s attempt to shake their momentum, the Morayta-based team remained unfazed with Bautista firing his signature catch-and-shoot move before forward Kirby Mongcopa sunk another basket, 43-29.
Heading out of halftime, FEU kept its foot on the gas as UE struggled to launch a comeback, eventually leading to Elias Gish’s triple.
Gish’s and Mongcopa’s back-to-back baskets further increased the lead with rookies Sam Hall and Yosef Rañeses playing offensively on the floor, 65-44.
UE looked to decrease Tamaraws’ growing lead; however, FEU had already created a strong point separation.
The final horn at the end of the fourth quarter sealed the Tamaraws’ victory against the Red Warriors, marking their first win this season, 93-70.
In the post-game conference, Morayta-based head coach Sean Chambers emphasized his commitment to his previous remarks following their last game, after enduring a two-week break between games.
“There were some tough conversations with players and staff and what we want for ourselves. I still go back to one of the messages I tried to say after the last game, [which] was that our focus now is going to be so much more on the process… We’re going to focus on doing things the right way, work on our habits, and the winning will take care of itself,” he expressed.
Meanwhile, Mongcopa posed a positive outlook after last game’s dismay.
“Iniisip ko na [ma]rami pa namang games, so, [puwede] akong makabawi… Focus lang talaga kami… tsaka respeto rin sa mga kalaban namin (I’m thinking that we still have a lot of games that I can still make up for. We just really have to stay focused and, of course, respect our opponents),” the Tamaraw forward explained.
Konateh led FEU’s scoring with 15 points, while Mongcopa posted 13 markers and 13 rebounds for a double-double. Moreover, Bautista chipped in 13 of his own with Janrey Pasaol and Jedric Daa rounding out the double-digit list with 12 points apiece.
With the season just starting, FEU hopes to build their winning journey as they anticipate their next game against De La Salle University on Wednesday, September 30, at the same venue.
(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)