MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University (FEU) and defending champion San Beda University secured their first victories of their respective collegiate basketball campaigns on Saturday, September 26.
In the UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball tournament, the FEU Tamaraws dominated the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors, 93-70, ruining Paulo Hubalde’s head coaching debut for UE.
FEU asserted control early and pulled away in the second half to construct a lead as large as 29 points. Mo Konateh led the Tamaraws with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa added a double-double performance of 13 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Jorick Bautista and Janrey Pasaol chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Tebol Lagat paced UE with 20 points, supported by Mariano Tañedo’s 16 points and Gene Carillo’s 13. The loss dropped UE to 0-3, extending their losing streak to 23 games dating back to Season 87, while FEU improved to a 1-1 record.
Meanwhile, in the NCAA Season 102 men’s basketball tournament, the San Beda Red Lions pulled off a late comeback to edge out the Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers, 65-62.
Trailing 62-57 late in the final quarter, San Beda rallied behind Andrei Ugaddan, who scored six straight points to put the Red Lions ahead, 63-62, with 1:23 remaining. Sean Torculas sealed the victory at the free-throw line, finishing with a game-high 29 points and six rebounds, while Ugaddan added 11 points.
“‘Wag lang kaming hihinto. We had to play until matapos ‘tong game. I’m grateful. Just grateful for this win,” Torculas said.
Chris Hubilla led JRU with 14 points, followed by Jahmmir Eligado with 13 and Sean Salvador with 11. With the result, San Beda evened its record to 1-1, while JRU suffered its first loss in three outings to slip to second place in Group A.