FEU’s scoring spread proves too much for La Salle

PHOTO CREDIT: UAAP Season 89 Media Team

Far Eastern University leaned on a balanced offensive attack and steady play to defeat defending champion De La Salle University, 90-78, in the UAAP Season 89 Men’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, September 30 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tamaraws immediately put pressure on La Salle, firing 25 points in the opening quarter to take a 25-13 lead. FEU’s scoring remained spread out in the second as the Tamaraws added 27 points to carry a 52-38 advantage into halftime.

La Salle found its footing after the break, matching FEU’s 24 points in the third quarter. The Green Archers, however, could not significantly cut into the deficit as the Tamaraws entered the final frame ahead, 76-62.

The Green Archers outscored the Tamaraws, 16-14, in the fourth, but FEU had built enough separation to close out the 90-78 victory.

For FEU head coach Sean Chambers, the team’s ability to stay composed reflected the growth of his players and the program. “We have the level of maturity we never had before. That maturity and incorporate it with the young guys is the ideal of building the program,” Chambers said.

Kirby Mongcopa led FEU with 20 points, while rookie Cabs Cabonilas added 17 points and six rebounds. Jorick Bautista and Jedric Daa chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively. Mo Konateh posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds, along with four assists and four steals.

Luis Pablo paced La Salle with 15 points and seven rebounds, while Mason Amos and Doy Dungo each finished with 10 points.

FEU improved to 2-1 for its second straight win, while La Salle dropped to 1-2.

The Tamaraws next face the University of the Philippines on October 4, while La Salle takes on the University of the East on the same day.

The Scores:

FEU 90 - Mongcopa 20, Cabonilas 17, Bautista 12, Konateh 10, Daa 10, Pasaol 7, Gish 6, Felipe 6, Hall 2, Nakai 0, Burgos 0, Ranese 0

DLSU 78 - Pablo 15, Amos 10, Dungo 10, Macalalag 8, Abadam 8, Tovera 8, Cortez 6, Agunnane 6, Daep 4, Gagate 3, Marasigan 0

Quarterscores: 25-13, 53-38, 76-62, 90-78