Four-Game Run Continues After Konateh’s Career Night
Mo Konateh powered Far Eastern University past Ateneo, 93-70, extending the Tamaraws’ winning streak to four games. FEU overcame an early deficit behind Konateh’s 29 points and 11 rebounds to claim solo first place.
Konateh Dominates Ateneo With 29-Point Performance
Jonash Dannug of Tiebreaker Times chronicled FEU’s victory Saturday at SMART Araneta Coliseum in UAAP Season 89. Konateh shot eight of 12 from the field while collecting three blocks, two steals, and two assists.
The third-year Gambian center also made 13 of 18 free throws, repeatedly adding points from the foul line. His 29 points led all scorers, while his 11 rebounds completed another double-double for the Tamaraws.
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Chambers Challenges Konateh to Embrace Bigger Role
Coach Sean Chambers challenged FEU before tipoff to demonstrate whether its promising early results reflected the team’s identity. Chambers singled out Konateh’s development across three seasons while discussing his confidence in the center’s continued improvement.
“Before the game today, the message was ‘Are we who we think we are?’… With that, is Mo who he thinks he is? I think he’s the best FSA here and he just continues to get better from three years ago to what he’s doing now,” Chambers said.
FEU Takes Command After Ateneo’s Strong Opening Quarter
Ateneo led 27-23 after the opening quarter, despite playing without suspended interim coach Louie Alas on Saturday. FEU responded with a 23-12 second quarter, turning that four-point deficit into a 46-39 halftime lead.
The Tamaraws then outscored Ateneo 25-15 in the third, building a 71-54 advantage entering the final period. FEU won the middle quarters by a combined 48-27, transforming Ateneo’s early lead into a decisive margin.
Tamaraws Pull Away With Decisive Third-Quarter Run
Ateneo trimmed FEU’s lead to 46-43 early in the third quarter before the Tamaraws pulled away again. A 15-2 FEU run, capped by Kirby Mongcopa’s jumper, stretched the advantage to 61-45 midway through the period.
FEU Wins Free-Throw Battle by Massive Margin
FEU converted 29 of 42 free throws, compared with Ateneo’s eight makes from 14 attempts Saturday. The Tamaraws gained 21 points on made free throws alone, a substantial difference in their 23-point victory.
Konateh attempted 18 free throws, exceeding Ateneo’s entire team total by four attempts during the contest. He converted 13, while his eight successful field goals came on just 12 shots from the floor.
Konateh Shoots 8-of-12 and Earns 18 Free Throws
Konateh’s 66.7 percent field-goal accuracy accompanied 11 rebounds, three blocks, two steals, and two assists. His 18 free-throw attempts accounted for nearly half of FEU’s 42 opportunities at the foul line.
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Mongcopa and Bautista Strengthen FEU Attack
Kirby Mongcopa finished with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals for the Tamaraws. Jorick Bautista added 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists, giving FEU three double-digit scorers against Ateneo.
Mongcopa’s seven assists led FEU’s supporting production, while Bautista contributed another four during the comfortable victory. Their combined 33 points supplemented Konateh’s 29, accounting for 62 of the Tamaraws’ 93 points.
Three Tamaraws Finish With At Least 14 Points
Mongcopa scored 19 and Bautista added 14, joining Konateh among FEU’s three players in double figures. Ateneo countered with three double-digit scorers, but none matched Konateh’s 29-point output in the loss.
FEU Builds Best Start Since 2015
FEU improved to 4-1 after losing its opener to Adamson, 56-53, and then winning four consecutive games. The Tamaraws took solo first place and matched their strongest five-game start since the 2015 season.
The four-game streak also equaled FEU’s longest winning run since 2022, following that season’s difficult 0-5 opening. Ateneo dropped to 3-3 after its second consecutive defeat, despite three Blue Eagles scoring at least 13 points.
Ateneo Drops Second Straight Without Louie Alas
Jared Bahay paced Ateneo with 17 points and seven assists, while Kieffer Alas contributed 16 points. Shawn Tuano scored 13, but the Blue Eagles could not recover after FEU’s dominant middle quarters.
FEU was scheduled to face UST on October 14 at SMART Araneta Coliseum after beating Ateneo. Ateneo’s next scheduled game was against UST on October 17 at the Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Analytical Breakdown: Inside Pressure Opened Everything
Konateh’s interior dominance forced Ateneo into difficult defensive choices, particularly once repeated paint pressure began producing frequent free-throw opportunities. Mongcopa’s playmaking strengthened FEU’s offensive balance, preventing Ateneo from committing additional defenders toward Konateh without exposing other scoring threats. FEU’s response after the opening quarter also showed impressive adaptability, turning an early deficit into sustained control through disciplined execution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Mo Konateh score against Ateneo?
Konateh scored 29 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, adding three blocks, two steals, and two assists.
What was the final score of FEU versus Ateneo?
Far Eastern University defeated Ateneo, 93-70, securing its fourth straight win in UAAP Season 89 men’s basketball.
What is FEU’s UAAP Season 89 record?
FEU improved to 4-1 and claimed solo first place after beating Ateneo at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Why did Louie Alas miss the FEU game?
Louie Alas missed the game while serving a one-game suspension for three accumulated disciplinary infractions.
Who will FEU play next?
FEU was scheduled to play University of Santo Tomas on October 14 at SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from Inquirer Sports – Inquirer.net.
