An emotional Precious Momowei reacts after the UE Red Warriors’ win over La Salle Green Archers in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net
MANILA, Philippines—After University of the East’s stunning win over La Salle in round one of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament, Precious Momowei was caught in a whirlwind of emotions.
While other Red Warriors were prancing up and down with joy, Momowei held his head down and covered his face with his jersey.
UE’s win didn’t come with high stakes for either team with the season still young, yet Momowei reacted beyond what the records showed.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
“He just really wants to win,” said coach Jack Santiago after UE’s 75-71 win over La Salle that improved their mark to 2-2 on Sunday.
“I sat down with him [and talked] and he practiced a lot. He really wants to win. It’s hard if we become 1-3.”
Momowei didn’t have the best offensive night as he finished with just five points on a lowly 33.3 percent shooting clip.
READ: UAAP: UE delivers La Salle’s first loss in men’s basketball
It was, however, his tenacity in the paint that proved to be valuable for UE as he snagged a game-high 12 rebounds in over 27 minutes of action.
Momowei’s show of emotions could lokel;ybe traced back to what happened during the Filoil EcoOil Preseason Cup a few months back.
During one of the Red Warriors’ games in the preseason against La Salle, UE found itself on the winning end over the Green Archers, 74-64, with roughly 2:30 to go in the game.
UE Red Warriors’ Precious Momowei during a UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Reigning league MVP Kevin Quiambao would go on an otherworldly personal run to end the game at the hands of La Salle, 77-74. Momowei fouled out of La Salle’s comeback win over UE with 10 points and six rebounds.
However, it was his attitude after the game that trended online when he was seen was pointing and cursing out referees for their officiating.
READ: UAAP: Top rookie Precious Momowei suspended, out for UE vs Ateneo
It seemed like Momowei had never forgotten about that day. Why? Because Santiago and the Red Warriors reminded him of it to be better moving forward.
“Actually, we talked to him about that. We kept reminding him that he needs to maintain his emotions,” Santiago said of Momowei.
“Sometimes, his emotions make him go into foul trouble so I’m glad that he responded very well with our instruction.”