The Far Eastern University avoided a meltdown in the fourth quarter to edge the University of the Philippines, 54-52, ending their UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament on a good note Sunday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
Clare Castro dominated in the fourth period, pouring 9 of her game-high 16 points, although the Lady Tamaraws had to avert disaster after almost allowing the Lady Maroons to turn the tables in the end.
Precious Arellado and Castro joined hands in a strong start by FEU in the fourth, scoring 8 combined as the Lady Tamaraws turned a 35-36 deficit into a 50-41 cushion.
A fastbreak layup by Bea Daez and a long two by Joanna Oliva pulled the Lady Maroons within 45-50, but Castro answered with back-to-back baskets to push the FEU lead to 54-45 under the final two minutes.
But just when FEU thought it would be an easy way out, UP made a last-ditch effort. Janeena Tatel hit a jumper before Daez drilled a three off a Tin Aliermo steal, making it 54-51. Pat Pesquera’s split cut the deficit to only 54-52 with 32.9 seconds left. In the ensuing play, Arellado missed a jumper, leaving 11 seconds for the Lady Maroons to steal the game.
Daez rushed to the frontcourt and pulled up for a triple which only hit the front of the rim as time ran out. Castro had 7 rebounds and a blocked shot to add to her total, while Arellado dished out 14 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and 5 steals.
FEU (3-11) used its size, having a 38-28 lead in points in the paint and a 41-36 rebounding edge.
UP led by as much as 8, 24-16 in the second quarter, but FEU cut the lead to only 3 by halftime and kept within good distance of UP before going on a big fourth quarter run.
Oliva had 15 points including two triples to lead the Lady Maroons (4-10) while Daez added 14 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in her final game.
The Scores:
FEU (54) – Castro 16, Arellado 14, Payadon 10, Hortaleza 6, Ventura 4, Okunlola 4, Quiapo 0, Adriano 0, Baldonado 0, Capua 0, Abat 0.
UP (52) – Oliva 15, Daez 14, Pesquera 8, Aliermo 5, Tatel 4, Medina 4, Isip 2, Esplana 0, Ordoveza 0, Franco 0.
Quarterscores: 14-11, 21-24, 35-36, 54-52.
