24-Point Explosion Fuels FEU’s Strong Season 89 Start
Kirby Mongcopa delivered 24 points and nine rebounds as FEU defeated UP, 90-79, for its third consecutive UAAP victory. The Tamaraws ended a seven-year drought against the Fighting Maroons while strengthening their early Season 89 position.
FEU Takes Control With Dominant Third Quarter
Luisa Morales of One Sports chronicled FEU’s victory after the Tamaraws established a commanding 26-13 first-quarter advantage against UP. Mongcopa scored eight points during that opening surge before former FEU standout Veejay Pre helped the Maroons respond.
Pre scored seven during UP’s second-quarter rally, which erased the early deficit and eventually produced a 32-all deadlock. FEU carried a two-point lead into halftime before overwhelming the Fighting Maroons with a decisive 32-14 third-quarter advantage.
Image from: The Manila Times
Tamaraws Respond After UP’s Second-Quarter Rally
FEU’s third-quarter surge restored complete control after UP threatened to erase the impact of the Tamaraws’ impressive opening period. Jorick Bautista later pushed FEU’s advantage to 25 points before the Maroons reduced the final margin during closing minutes.
Mongcopa Leads FEU With 24 Points
Mongcopa finished with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while leading FEU’s balanced production against the Fighting Maroons. His eight opening-quarter points helped establish FEU’s early advantage before his rebounding contributed additional value throughout the contest.
Despite FEU’s growing momentum, Mongcopa remained measured about the significance of three consecutive victories during a lengthy collegiate season. His comments reflected an emphasis on sustaining the Tamaraws’ progress rather than treating their early success as a finished achievement.
“Sobrang saya, [pero] tuloy parin yung laban. Di pa tapos yung game… Mahaba pa yung season,” he said.
Pasaol Provides All-Around Support
Reigning MVP Janrey Pasaol contributed 15 points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals alongside Mongcopa’s near double-double. Their combined production gave FEU two productive contributors while the Tamaraws created separation during their strongest stretches against UP.
FEU Beats Last Season’s Two UAAP Finalists
FEU’s latest victory followed its 90-78 triumph over defending champion La Salle during the Tamaraws’ previous Season 89 assignment. Those consecutive results gave FEU victories over both programs that contested the previous UAAP men’s basketball championship series.
The Tamaraws have now won three consecutive games, establishing early momentum after navigating significant tests against established championship programs. Beating La Salle and UP consecutively provides measurable evidence behind FEU’s improving position without guaranteeing anything across the remaining schedule.
Tamaraws Build Three-Game Winning Streak
FEU’s three-game run has gained greater significance because its latest two victories came against last season’s championship finalists. Mongcopa’s measured reaction also reinforced that the Tamaraws still view their encouraging start within a much longer campaign.
Recommended Article: Mason Amos Leads La Salle Rout of UE in UAAP Season 89
Tamaraws End Seven-Year Losing Run Against UP
FEU’s 90-79 victory ended a seven-year drought against UP, adding historical significance to the Tamaraws’ third consecutive Season 89 win. The breakthrough arrived against a Fighting Maroons program that has become one of the UAAP’s established contenders during recent seasons.
UP dropped to 2-2 after suffering its second consecutive defeat, despite receiving productive contributions from several players Sunday. Pre led the Fighting Maroons with 16 points and five rebounds while facing the program where his collegiate career began.
Pre Leads Fighting Maroons Against Former Team
Pre scored seven points during UP’s second-quarter comeback, helping the Maroons recover after FEU established an early 13-point advantage. The former FEU Rookie of the Year finished with 16 points, five rebounds, and one assist against his previous school.
FEU Sets Up Early Showdown With Ateneo
FEU next faces Ateneo on Saturday, October 10, at Smart Araneta Coliseum following its third consecutive Season 89 victory. The matchup gives the Tamaraws another significant early test after consecutive victories against defending champion La Salle and runner-up UP.
Ateneo has also opened the season strongly behind a young roster that includes rookie guard Kieffer Alas among its contributors. FEU therefore enters another demanding matchup immediately after strengthening its early standing through victories against two proven championship programs.
Ateneo Presents Another Test for Tamaraws
Facing Ateneo gives FEU another opportunity to measure its progress after defeating both finalists from the previous UAAP championship series. The Tamaraws enter that matchup carrying three consecutive victories while Mongcopa continues emphasizing patience during the long Season 89 campaign.
Analytical Breakdown: Balance Powered FEU
FEU’s third-quarter response showed strong adjustment ability, turning a narrow halftime advantage into decisive separation against an experienced UP team. Mongcopa’s rebounding alongside his scoring strengthened FEU’s versatility, while Pasaol provided another dependable creator across multiple phases of play. Sustaining that balance against Ateneo will test whether FEU can maintain its discipline while opponents increasingly treat them as contenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points did Kirby Mongcopa score against UP?
Kirby Mongcopa recorded 24 points, nine rebounds, and three assists while leading FEU past the Fighting Maroons.
What was the FEU versus UP final score?
FEU defeated UP, 90-79, extending the Tamaraws’ UAAP Season 89 winning streak to three consecutive games.
When did FEU last defeat UP before this game?
Sunday’s 90-79 victory represented FEU’s first win over the UP Fighting Maroons across the previous seven years.
What is UP’s UAAP Season 89 record?
The Fighting Maroons dropped to 2-2 after suffering their second consecutive defeat during the young UAAP Season 89 campaign.
Who does FEU play next?
FEU next faces Ateneo on Saturday, October 10, at Smart Araneta Coliseum following its third consecutive victory.
Disclaimer: Headline Image from ABS-CBN Website.
