UAAP: Mongcopa, Cabonilas star in FEU victory over La Salle

Far Eastern University put pedal to the metal in its early season test against De La Salle University, claiming victory over the reigning champions, 90-78, Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Tamaraws have now notched back-to-back wins in UAAP Season 89, swiftly recovering after its opening day defeat to Adamson University last September 13.

Forward Kirby Mongcopa starred for FEU in today’s bout with La Salle, producing a game-high of 20 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists.

Pacing the six-foot-four swingman was rookie Cabs Cabonilas, breaking out for 17 points on an efficient 58.3% shooting from the field. The former UAAP high-school Most Valuable Player also notched six rebounds.

Displaying its early season form, FEU never trailed in today’s matchup aside from a two-point lead by its Taft-based opponents early in the opening canto.

Three other Tamaraws entered double-digits in scoring, with Jorick Bautista, Mo Konateh, and Jedric Daa obtaining 12, 10, and 10 points each. Center Konateh was also active in crashing the glass, grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds.

On the other hand, defending champions DLSU still aim to find their footing this season after back-to-back defeats.

Luis Pablo made his presence felt after returning from national duty in the Asian Games for the Gilas Pilipinas 3x3 Basketball Team, leading DLSU in scoring with 15 points to go along with seven boards.

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.

Quarterscores: 25-13, 52-38, 76-62, 90-78.

—JKC, GMA News