UE’s Precious Momowei, middle, and John Abate, left, during a game against NU in UAAP Season 87.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — University of the East big man Precious Momowei said his heated exchange with teammate John Abate was “all love” as he was just urging him to focus on the game against National University.
Momowei had an intense argument with Abate when the Bulldogs cut their lead to 21-16 with 3:22 left in the second quarter and had to be separated by their teammates.
“Honestly, it’s nothing serious. I was just trying to bring him up. I was trying to make him focus on the game. It’s all love and nothing serious,” said the Nigerian center, who dropped 17 points and 17 rebounds, on Saturday in the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: UAAP: UE leans on strong second half to cruise past NU
Precious Momowei on his intense moment with teammate John Abate in the first half. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/JQbV96St6n
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) October 26, 2024
But Momowei assured everything’s cool with Abate and the rest of the Red Warriors, who unleashed a second-half surge en route to a 74-58 win that boosted their Final Four chances with a 6-3 slate.
For Abate, it’s all just brotherly love between two competitive teammates, who just want the best for their team.
“I’m just gonna speak on my part, that’s my brother. We’re gonna fight. It’s what siblings do. We’re two competitive people, we ultimately wanna win. At first, we had a little stumble, I turned over the ball and the next possession, I got subbed out,” said Abate, who had six points, five rebounds, and three assists.
“The third quarter, we came back and he passed out to me and I hit a 3, he made a big play, I made a big play, and we made out for it.”
Abate added that he admires Momowei’s leadership.
SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball
“I love it because if you have someone that’s holding you accountable, it’s iron sharpens iron. I’ll make you better, I’m gonna make him better,” he said.
UE coach Jack Santiago also lauded Momowei for being one of the leaders of the Rdd Warriors, who have been the biggest surprise this season.
“I’m so grateful kay Precious eh kasi not only in actual games, but even in practice, talagang siya yung nagcacall ng attention doon sa mga players sa mga teammates niya na he thinks hindi nagpe-perform o medyo alam mo naman ngayon, may mga players tayo na medyo tamad din,” Santiago said.
“Maybe it’s a wake up call to us na talagang kailangan magtrabaho. Even yung mga NBA teams nagkakaron din ng ganyan, but, in the end, nagbe-benefit pa rin yung team. Medyo pangit tignan, we are on national television, but down the stretch it helps the team. You saw the changes naman happened nung second half. Talagang everyone wants to play.”
Momowei and Abate were just happy to continue their winning ways despite coming off a two-week hiatus after the postponement of their supposed two games.