UAAP: Jorick Bautista tows FEU past Ateneo in second round opener

Jorick Bautista caught fire to lift Far Eastern University past Ateneo de Manila University, 75-68, in the opening game of the second round of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The two teams were tied at 67 before Bautista knocked down a three-pointer to give FEU the lead with 1:19 remaining. Dom Escobar split his free throws after being fouled by Kirby Mongcopa to bring Ateneo within two, but Bautista hit another triple to virtually seal the win. Mo Konateh then sank free throws off an Ian Espinosa foul to put the finishing touches on the Tamaraws’ victory.

“Credit lang sa mga teammates ko kasi kung hindi dahil sa kanila, hindi mangyayari ‘yung mga sitwasyon na nakukuha ko. It was a team effort, it’s not me lang. Prepared talaga kami, pinagtrabahuhan talaga namin ito sa training pa lang,” Bautista said.

Bautista led the Morayta-based squad with 20 points, eight of which came in the fourth quarter, as he also shot 4-of-11 from beyond the arc. Mongcopa was one rebound shy of a double-double, finishing with 16 points and nine boards, while Janrey Pasaol added 15 points. Konateh also had a big game with 15 points, 17 rebounds, three blocks, two assists, and a steal.

Escobar paced Ateneo with 15 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals, while Waki Espina contributed 12 points in the losing effort.

With the win, FEU notched its second straight victory to improve to 3-5, while Ateneo dropped its fourth consecutive game after starting the season 4-0.

Scores:

FEU 75 – Bautista 20, Mongcopa 16, Pasaol 15, Konateh 15, Ona 4, Salangsang 3, Felipe 2, Owens 0, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0, Jones 0.

Ateneo 68 – Escobar 15, Espina 12, Tuano 9, Lazo 8, Espinosa 6, Fjellvang 5, Ladi 4, Lazaro 4, Bahay 3, Bongo 2, Ong 0.

Quarters: 17-20, 37-37, 55-54, 75-68.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News