UAAP: Far Eastern U boosts Final Four aspirations, eliminates UE

MANILA (UPDATED) — Far Eastern University eased past University of the East, 94-83, to boost its Final Four aspirations in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Tamaraws tied De La Salle University for third place in the standings with their sixth victory in 10 games and also handed the Red Warriors their 10th loss of the season, officially eliminating them from Final Four contention.

Jorick Bautista led the way with 18 points, four rebounds, and a steal as the Morayta-based squad pulled away in the second period and led by as many as 17 points.

“Clearly, we’re happy where we are. We get to control our own destiny,” said FEU head coach Sean Chambers as the Tamaraws found their footing in the second half.

“But we were playing some selfish basketball [in the first half]. We were not doing our roles, so I got really mad at them. Like a father, you need to discipline your sons,” he added.

Mo Konateh dominated the boards with 15 points, 19 rebounds, two steals, and a block. Kirby Mongcopa added 15 points and seven rebounds, while Elias Gish chipped in 13 points and six rebounds as FEU secured its second straight victory.

With Chambers rallying his crew, the Tamaraws responded with a balanced charge to break away late in the third quarter, as Konateh, Bautista, and Gish turned a five-point lead into a 71-58 advantage by capping the frame with eight straight points.

Konateh continued his onslaught in the fourth quarter and pushed FEU’s lead to its largest at 90-73 with 1:56 remaining, which proved more than enough to send UE to its 30th straight defeat dating back to the second round of UAAP Season 87 in 2024.

Toper Lagat remained one of the few bright spots for UE, finishing with 24 points, six rebounds, three assists, and a block to help the Red Warriors sit at multiple three-point leads in the second frames.

Lance Sabroso added 16 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Ola Ajani and Cole Cruz-Dumont chipped in 11 points apiece. However, it was not enough to match FEU’s production, particularly in the second half.

FEU 94 — Bautista 18, Konateh 15, Mongcopa 15, Gish 13, Daa 9, Burgos 9, Pasaol 5, Cabonilas 5, Felipe 3, Nakai 2, Hall 0.

UE 83 — Lagat 24, Sabroso 16, Ajani 11, Cruz-Dumont 11, Datumalalim 6, Tanedo 5, Robles 4, Carillo 2, Vazquez 2, Jimenez 2, Santos 0, Dungca 0.

Quarterscores: 24-25, 49-41, 71-63, 94-83.