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Abate says heated exchange with Momowei a part of brotherhood

Photo source: UAAP Media Team

The UE Red Warriors added another win to their standing in UAAP Season 87 by beating the NU Bulldogs at 74-58 on Saturday at the MOA Arena. The Jack Santiago-coached team is now 6-3.

During the second quarter of the game, John Abate and Precious Momowei had a heated exchange that caught everybody’s eyes.

When asked about it, Momowei said it was nothing serious, but all a part of the game to keep his teammates focused.

In an exclusive interview with John Abate, he shared that the incident was merely a part of their brotherhood and their goals.

“That’s my brother, you know. Siblings fight. We’re both intense people just trying to make the ultimate goals,” said Abate.

This hasn’t been the first time that Momowei and Abate clashed. Abate shared that it happens quite a lot, even in practice.

“I don’t know the number, but let’s just say [we argued] several times.”

He believed that it stems from their alike personality–being competitive.

“It comes from our competitive spirit. I would say for me, I can’t speak for Precious, but having to understand that you always have to work for what you want. If you want something, you have to work for it.”

Looking back into an episode of The Navs Effect podcast, Abate also shared a “funny” story about his friendship with Momowei.

“I would say one time, it’s not really funny, but it’s also funny at the same time. Me and Precious actually fought, and I threw the ball at him,” he said, laughing a little as he remembered the story.

“He pushed me, and it kind of escalated from there. But it was all love, you know. There’s competitiveness and having that determination to push each other to make each other better.”

It seems that the competitive spirits of the players have helped the UE Red Warriors fight and enjoy in the league. They are currently experiencing their best winning season in 10 years.