Far Eastern University’s Kirby Mongcopa against University of the East in UAAP Season 88. Photo from UAAP Media.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University stayed in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball Final race 4 after its valiant stand over University of the East.
The Tamaraws survived the Red Warriors, 84-77, during their Saturday afternoon faceoff at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao to notch their sixth win in 13 games, and making things work for the Morayta-based cagers were their balanced charge.
Jorick Bautista marked 17 points, six assists, and three rebounds, Mo Konateh had 15 points, Kirby Mongcopa had a 14-point, 10-rebound outing, Janrey Pasaol scattered 12 points, six assists, and four steals, while Niel Owens chipped in 10.
"We just kept believing, and who would know? Now we still have a chance in the Final 4," said Far Eastern U head coach Sean Chambers, whose squad avoided squandering a 16-point lead.
The Tamaraws now look to better their postseason chances when they face University of Santo Tomas on Wednesday, and they would need the tough stance that they showed in the endgame.
After seeing their 10-point lead late in the fourth diminished to five, 82-77, following a five-point spurt from Wello Lingolingo and Precious Momowei, Bautista took charge for FEU.
He corrected their shot clock violation by acing both of his attempts from the foul line with only two seconds left, and that was what the Tamaraws needed to win five of their last seven outings.
On the other hand, the Red Warriors concluded their 14-game campaign this Season 88 with zero wins, and this also extended their losing streak to 20 dating back to Round 2 of Season 87 in 2024.
This was despite Precious Momowei’s 19 points and 14 rebounds, Wello Lingolingo’s 14 markers and four boards, and Caoile and Mulintapang each scoring 10 points.
The Scores:
FEU 84 – Bautista 17, Konateh 15, Mongcopa 14, Pasaol 12, Owens 10, Felipe 7, Daa 5, Jones 2, Ona 2, Montemayor 0, Bagunu 0, Macapagal 0.
UE 77 – Momowei 19, Lingolingo 14, Caoile 10, Mulingtapang 10, Cruz-Dumont 8, Despi 6, Robles 5, Datumalim 3, Malaga 2, Tañedo 0, Lagat 0, Jimenez 0, Rosete 0.
Quarterscores: 22-15, 42-32, 61-51, 84-77.