PASAY CITY, Philippines — Far Eastern University dictated the tempo early to defeat titleholder De La Salle University, 90-78, securing a share of the early top spot in the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, September 30, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tamaraws established dominance early on, storming out to a 25-11 cushion in the opening quarter to force the Green Archers into a chasing position for the remainder of the contest.
The victory elevated FEU to a 2-1 record, placing the Morayta-based squad in a six-way tie atop the standings alongside National University, University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, and University of Santo Tomas.
Meanwhile, La Salle dropped to seventh place with a 1-2 record, marking the program’s toughest start to a campaign since Season 82.
The setback also dampened the return of Luis Pablo, who re-joined the Green Archers following his stint with the Philippine men’s 3×3 squad at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Kirby Mongcopa spearheaded FEU’s attack with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and a block, while Cabs Cabonilas registered 17 points and six boards. Jorick Bautista and Jedric Daa chipped in 12 and 10 points, respectively, as Mo Konateh filled the stat sheet with a double-double of 10 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and four steals.
Pablo topped La Salle’s scoring effort with 15 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block in his season debut. Mason Amos and Doy Dungo contributed 10 points apiece, while Jacob Cortez was restricted to six points.
The Scores:
FEU 90 – Mongcopa 20, Cabonilas 17, Bautista 12, Konateh 10, Daa 10, Pasaol 7, Gish 6, Felipe 6, Hall 2, Burgos 0, Nakai 0, Rañeses 0.
LA SALLE 78 – Pablo 15, Amos 10, Dungo 10, Tovera 8, Macalalag 8, Abadam 8, Cortez 6, Agunanne 6, Daep 4, Gagate 3, Marasigan 0.
Quarterscores: 25-13, 52-38, 76-62, 90-78.