UAAP: FEU stuns UP for first time in seven years

Far Eastern University claimed another win against a UAAP Season 88 finalist, this time defeating University of the Philippines, 90-79, Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

The Tamaraws improved to 3-1, now sharing an early lead atop of the team standings with Ateneo de Manila University. This was also FEU’s first taste of victory against the Fighting Maroons since 2019.

Forward Kirby Mongcopa continued his stellar start to the season, this time unleashing for 24 points on 50.0% shooting from the field to go along with nine rebounds and three assists.

Fellow Tamaraw starters Jorick Bautista, Janrey Pasaol, and Mo Konateh aided Mongcopa on the offensive end, notching 16, 15, and 10 points respectively.

Konateh notably finished with a double-double, also gobbling up a game-high 11 rebounds along with four assists, two steals, and a block.

After a hotly contested first half which saw the Green and Gold only holding a slender two-point lead heading into halftime, Sean Chambers’ men kicked into another gear as they outscored UP in the third canto, 32-14.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fall to a 2-2 win-loss record, with a finals rematch against De La Salle University next on their schedule. Veejay Pre led UP in his first game against his old squad, producing 16 points, five rebounds, and an assist.

Bigman Francis Nnoruka and Rey Remogat swiftly followed suit with 14 and 12 points each, with the center grabbing nine boards as well.

The Morayta-based squad will look to solidify its place in the Final Four race as it plays Ateneo de Manila University next on October 10.

The scores:

FEU 90 – Mongcopa 24, Bautista 16, Pasaol 15, Cabonilas 11, Konateh 10, Felipe 5, Gish 4, Daa 3, Burgos 2, Nakai 0, Raneses 0.

UP 79 – Pre 16, Nnoruka 14, Remogat 12, Payosing 8, Franco 6, Bayla 5, Stevens 5, Ogana 5, Briones 4, Poyos 2, Palanca 2, Yniguez 0, Alter 0, Maga 0.

Quarter scores: 26-13, 43-41, 75-55, 90-79.

—JKC, GMA News