As Far Eastern University’s Final Four hopes hung by a thread, it was rookie Kirby Mongcopa who stood tallest — literally and figuratively — against one of the UAAP’s toughest enforcers, Cedrick Manzano.
The 6-foot-4 freshman from Dumaguete City did a little bit of everything, anchoring the Tamaraws on both ends as they escaped Adamson University, 73-70, in an overtime thriller on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
With FEU clinging to a slim two-point lead, 72-70, in the dying seconds of overtime, Mongcopa came up with the game’s biggest stop — a clean block on Mathew Montebon’s potential game-winning three.
He then split his free throws in the ensuing play to ice the game and keep the Tamaraws’ flickering semifinal hopes alive.
Still, joy quickly gave way to reflection inside the locker room.
Head coach Sean Chambers had strong words for his squad after nearly blowing a double-digit lead, and the rookie himself took it as a learning moment.
“Yun nga yun, yung tira ni Montebon, nakita ko na wala nang shot clock kaya dinirecho ko na yun eh,” said Mongcopa, who finished with 11 points, 17 rebounds, and four assists.
“Nakuha ko naman, yun nga lang, hindi napasok yung tira kong free throw ng isa. Pero ayun nga, nasa pag-process yan.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
For Mongcopa, Sunday’s duel wasn’t just another game — it was a baptism of fire.
Coming off a long recovery from a motorcycle accident, he’s been eager to make up for lost time.
And facing Manzano proved to be the perfect test of toughness and composure.
“Si Manzano pa katapat ko,” he said with a grin. “Sobrang bigat nun. Sobrang grabe niya din maglaro.
“Sobrang bilib din ako kay Cedrick Manzano kasi siya ba naman kabantayan ko. Ang laki ng respeto ko sa kanya.
“Naglaro lang ako nang tama at ginagawa ko lang nang tama yung pinapagawa ni Coach Sean sa akin,” the UAAP Season 85 Boys’ Basketball Finals MVP added.
That battle inside the paint showcased the heart of FEU’s rookie — willing to grind, bang bodies, and embrace the physicality of the college game.
Chambers, who has constantly preached discipline and consistency, found in Mongcopa the kind of player who embodies those values even amid adversity.
And while the Tamaraws escaped this one, they know that the margin for error is shrinking fast.
FEU sits at seventh place with a 4-6 record, still in striking distance of the Final Four but needing a perfect finish in its last four games to make it happen.
Next up are powerhouse programs University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University — crucial tests that will define FEU’s season.
For Mongcopa, though, the message is simple: stay the course.
“Kailangan namin din sa isa’t isa ng disiplina at pano mag-kontrol ng ganun na laro kasi di na sana dapat aabot ng overtime kung disiplinado lang kami sa second half. Sa practice na ulit, pagkatapos ng gabi na ‘to, ensayo ulit para sa next game,” he said.
