Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws Mo Konateh erupted a game-high 29 points, stunning the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 93-70, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 men’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Leading the Tamaraws’ scoring charge, Konateh powered FEU with 29 points, three blocks, and two assists.
The Tamaraws got off to a slow start as the Blue Eagles controlled the pace early, 7-10. However, Konateh and Jorick Bautista anchored the green-and-gold, keeping the score close to end the first quarter, 17-19.
Despite FEU’s efforts, the blue-and-white squad regained control through timely baskets and free throws, 20-27. The Morayta-based squad then responded with a Luke Felipe three-pointer off Bautista’s assist, trimming the deficit to 23-27.
In the second frame, Tamaraws quickly erased the Blue Eagles lead behind Janrey Pasaol’s three-pointer, 28-27, before stringing together baskets to establish a seven-point cushion, 34-27.
Although Ateneo attempted to close the gap through Kieffer Alas and Jared Bahay’s two-pointers, the green-and-gold squad maintained control, with Konateh converting a Bautista pass to cap the run, 46-39.
The Tamaraws continued to dictate the pace in the third quarter, with Kirby Mongcopa fueling momentum through a series of free throws and Elias Gish’s conversions, pushing the Sean Chambers-led squad ahead by 14, 59-45.
FEU sustained their offensive pressure behind Mongcopa and Konateh, capitalizing on free throws to maintain a commanding advantage, 71-54.
Entering the final quarter with a dominant lead, Cabs Cabonilas and Mongcopa continued the Tamaraw’s scoring run, pushing a 25-point edge, 85-60.
FEU ultimately cruised through AdMU’s late baskets with a 93-70 victory, sealing the win over the Blue Eagles.
In the postgame conference, Konateh emphasized the team’s commitment to hard work in both practice and actual games.
“We’re trying to push ourselves to beat the world and keep going. We have to play like we play this game. If practice is hard, we’re going to play hard. That’s what we push ourselves on. So we just have to play our game and play our offense,” he said.
Meanwhile, FEU Tamaraws head coach Chambers stressed the importance of maintaining the team’s focus to build winning habits amid the pressure of an undefeated streak.
“Once you win, the pressure mounts even more, right?… So we’re going to just continue to take care of our business. And we’re not talking about wins and losses, even with the management. We’re all talking about habits, winning habits, winning games,” he noted.
Following Konateh, Mongcopa added 19 points, while Bautista and Jedric Daa added 14 and 6 markers, respectively.
Currently leading the league with a 4-1 win-loss record, the Tamaraws look to extend their winning streak against the University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, October 14, at the same venue.
(Photo by Neil James Tamayo/ FEU Advocate)