UAAP: FEU spoils Hubalde’s debut as UE interim coach

MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University spoiled Paulo Hubalde’s debut as interim coach of University of the East with a 93-70 win in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Hubalde took over from resigned coach Chris Gavina, but he could not keep the Red Warriors from extending their skid to 23 games dating back to Round 2 of UAAP Season 87 in 2024.

One key factor was Kirby Mongcopa, who posted 13 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists for the Tamaraws, who finally tallied their first win after falling to Adamson University, 56-53, in their season opener.

“Alam ko sa sarili ko rin doon na sobrang tight ko nun maglaro, so iniisip ko lang, marami pang games na pwede akong makabawi,” said Mongcopa, who helped spark FEU’s lead that grew to as many as 29 points.

Mongcopa also spearheaded the Tamaraws’ 13-to-3 surge between the first and second frames to push their lead from six to 16, 34-18, and this was eventually enough for FEU to secure the win.

Also stepping up were Mo Konateh, who tallied 15 points and nine rebounds, Jorick Bautista, who had 13 points, and Janrey Pasaol and Jedric Daa, who each scored 12 points.

On the other hand, Hubalde’s troops relied on Toper Lagat’s 20 points and five rebounds and Mariano Tañedo’s 16 points and three assists in the loss.

FEU 93 — Konateh 15, Mongcopa 13, Bautista 13, Pasaol 12, Daa 12, Cabonillas 6, Burgos 5, Gish 5, Nakai 4, Hall 4, Felipe 3, Rañeses 1, Montemayor 0, Macapagal 0.

UE 70 — Lagat 20, Tañedo 16, Carillo 13, Ajani 7, Robles 4, Cruz-Dumont 4, Sabroso 2, Santos 2, Jimenez 2, Vasquez 0, Mascarinas 0, Perez 0.

Quarterscores: 23-15, 43-29, 65-44, 93-70.