Metro Manila, Philippines — The red-hot Far Eastern University (FEU) Tamaraws extended their winning streak to four games after routing the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 93-70, in Round 1 of the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 10, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Big man Mo Konateh exploded for a double-double with 29 points and 11 rebounds, keeping the Tamaraws atop the standings with a 4-1 record.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles dropped to a 3-3 record, placing fourth in the standings.
Kirby Mongcopa and Jorick Bautista combined for 33 points in the victory.
Both squads traded baskets in the opening quarter until Travis Roberts and Shaun Tuano knocked down back-to-back jump shots to give Ateneo a four-point cushion, 27-23.
FEU turned the tide early in the second quarter when a drive by Konateh sparked a 12-0 run. The Tamaraws eventually built a seven-point lead, 46-39, as Ateneo struggled offensively, managing just 12 points in the quarter.
The Morayta-based squad stepped on the gas in the third quarter, with timely baskets from Mongcopa and Bautista extending its lead to 17 points, 71-54.
Konateh continued to dominate inside, powering his way past the Blue Eagles’ defense as FEU cruised to a 23-point victory.
Team captain Jared Bahay and rookie Kieffer Alas paced Ateneo with 17 and 16 points, respectively, while Tuano chipped in 13 points.
FEU will look to sustain its momentum in its penultimate first-round matchup against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the same venue.
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles will also aim to close out Round 1 with a victory when they face UST on Oct. 17 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
The scores:
FEU (93) — Konateh 29, Mongcopa 19, Bautista 14, Daa 6, Cabonilas 5, Burgos 4, Felipe 4, Pasaol 3, Hall 3, Montemayor 3, Gish 2, Rañeses 1, Nakai 0, Macapagal 0
ATENEO (70) — Bahay 17, Alas 16, Tuano 13, Bongo 8, Espinosa 5, Roberts 4, Rogers 4, Kapihe 2, Baruwa 1, Leal 0, Espina 0, Cainglet 0
Quarterscores: 23-27, 46-39, 71-54, 93-70
