Far Eastern University’s Kirby Mongcopa against University of the Philippines‘ Veejay Pre in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Kirby Mongcopa continued to shine as Far Eastern University made a statement by overcoming Veejay Pre and University of the Philippines, 90-79, in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball on Sunday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The star sophomore had his way with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists as the Tamaraws notched their third straight win in four games to tie Ateneo de Manila University at the top of the team standings.
“Alam naming kaya namin ‘to, so aggressive lang talaga kami,” said Mongcopa, as Far Eastern U finally beat UP for the first time since Round 2 of UAAP Season 82 in 2019.
Jorick Bautista followed with 16 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Janrey Pasaol scattered 15 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals for FEU, which led by as many as 25 points in the last two minutes before UP made a late comeback attempt.
It was Mongcopa, however, who powered FEU's third-quarter surge, scoring eight points in their 16-to-2 run to start the period and push their lead to 16, 59-43.
And while the Maroons had one last run in the final minute and got as close as 11 in the last 21.3 seconds after a Nnoruka basket, that was the closest they could get as State U could not find another clean shot.
Pre had 16 points and five rebounds in his first-ever game against his former squad, but these weren't enough as UP succumbed to its second loss in four outings.
Nnoruka added 14 points, nine rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks but committed six turnovers, while Noy Remogat contributed 12 points, two rebounds, and two assists.
The Scores:
FEU 90 — Mongcopa 24, Bautista 16, Pasaol 15, Cabonilas 11, Konateh 10, Felipe 5, Gish 4, Daa 3, Burgos 2, Nakai 0, Rañeses 0.
UP 79 — Pre 16, Nnoruka 14, Remogat 12, Payosing 8, Franco 6, Bayla 5, Stevens 5, Ogana 5, Briones 4, Poyos 2, Palanca 2, Yñiguez 0, Alter 0, Maga 0.
Quarterscores: 26-13, 43-41, 75-55, 90-79.