Tamaraws trample over hapless Red Warriors

FEU’s Jorick Bautista (3)

(UAAP Media Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Far Eastern University kept University of the East winless, drubbing the depleted Red Warriors, 95-76, to finish their first-round campaign of the UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball tournament on a high note Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Tamaraws charged in the middle quarters to slay the Red Warriors, who played without both coach Chris Gavina and wingman Wello Lingolingo due to suspensions.

The Red Warriors also absorbed their 13th straight loss in the UAAP, including six dating back to Season 87. They are yet to win a game this season through seven outings.

Jorick Bautista starred for FEU with 22 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Janrey Pasaol backstopped with a double-double of 17 markers and 10 dimes, to go with two steals and two swats.

The Morayta-based squad led by just three, 22-19, at the end of the first quarter.

Slowly, though, the Tamaraws broke the game open, leading by 13, 52-39, at the half.

Their lead grew to as much as 25 points, 79-54, following a triple by Kirby Mongcopa.

The nearest UE got to was 14 points, 71-85, after a jumper by Tope Lagat, with 3:48 remaining.

But a 10-2 finishing kick by FEU slammed the door shut on the skidding Red Warriors.

Mo Konateh flexed his muscles inside for the Tamaraws with 15 points and 14 rebounds, while Kirby Mongcopa and Jedric Daa had 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Precious Momowei carried the load for the Red Warriors with 23 points, 11 rebounds adn two assists. Nico Mulingtapang, who wore Lingolingo’s jersey before tip-off as homage to his teammate, and Lagat had 13 points each.

FEU stopped its two-game losing streak, finishing the first round with a 2-5 win-loss record.