IN the first place, the door had been barely open for University of the East, but on Wednesday, Far Eastern University slammed it shut.
The Tamaraws gave finality to the Red Warriors' elimination from title contention in UAAP Season 89 courtesy of a 94-83 rout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jorick Bautista led the way with 18 points and four rebounds and found plenty of support right behind him.
Mo Konateh imposed himself at both ends with 15 points and 19 rebounds, Kirby Mongcopa added 15 points and seven boards, and Elias Gish emerged as a surprise package off the bench with 13 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
FEU's sixth win of the season closed the mathematical loophole that had kept UE alive, as now at 0-10, the red-and-white can finish with no better than four wins, while four teams already have at least six victories.
It was another difficult marker in a season that has offered Recto little relief, stretching its years-long struggle to 30 games.
Another strong performance from Red Warriors rookie Toper Lagat ultimately went to waste, with 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists. But as has too often been the case this season, his production could not translate into a breakthrough.
The Scores:
FEU 94 — Bautista 18, Konateh 15, Mongcopa 15, Gish 13, Daa 9, Burgos 9, Pasaol 5, Cabonilas 5, Felipe 3, Nakai 2, Hall 0.
UE 83 — Lagat 24, Sabroso 16, Ajani 11, Cruz-Dumont 11, Datumalim 6, Tanedo 5, Robles 4, Carillo 2, Vazquez 2, Jimenez 2, Santos 0, Dungca 0.
Quarters: 24-25, 49-41, 71-58, 94-83.
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