UAAP: FEU beats undermanned UE to end first round on high note

Far Eastern University defeated the University of the East, 95-76, snapping its two-game losing streak and ending the first round on a high note in the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was all FEU almost from start to finish, taking control after UE's opening basket and extending their lead to as much as 25 points, 79–54, before cruising to victory.

Jorick Bautista led the Tamaraws with 22 points, while three teammates registered double-doubles: Janrey Pasaol with 17 points and 10 assists, Mo Konateh with 15 points and 14 rebounds, and Kirby Mongcopa with 12 points and 11 boards.

Precious Momowei tallied 23 points and 11 rebounds to lead a depleted Red Warriors squad, which played without head coach Chris Gavina, serving the first of his four-game suspension for “unprofessional conduct toward game officials”, and star Wello Lingolingo, who was suspended for three games due to unsportsmanlike conduct in their previous outing against De La Salle University.

With the win, FEU improved to 2–5, while UE remained winless at the end of the first round.

Scores:

FEU 95 -- Bautista 22, Pasaol 17, Konateh 15, Mongcopa 12, Daa 10, Felipe 6, Salangsang 5, Montemayor 4, Macapagal 2, Owens 2, Ona 0.

UE 76 -- Momowei 22, Mulingtapang 13, Lagat 13, Despi 8, Robles 5, Datumalim 5, Abate 3, Malaga 2, Caoile 2, Jimenez 2, Tanedo 0, Cabero 0, Rosete 0.

Quarters: 22-19, 52-39, 74-54, 95-76.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News