After a blazing 5-2 start to the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball campaign, Clare Castro and Far Eastern University struggled in the second round.
The Lady Tamaraws ended up losing four of their last seven games. They then barely made it to the Final Four with an 8-6 slate — just a full game ahead of La Salle.
According to Castro, the reason for the sudden drop in their play was a combination of overconfidence and unresolved issues.
“Siguro naging confident ‘yung team pagpasok ng second round, kaya siguro ‘di kami nakapag-adjust sa mga adjustments ng ibang team. May mga naging problem ‘yung team, hindi agad naayos. Pero buti nung mga past games medyo okay-okay na kami,” disclosed the 22-year-old, who averaged 15.79 points, 10.57 rebounds, and 3.36 blocks during the elimination round.
“Kailangan namin maging buo kami going to the Final Four.”
And so, when Adamson booted out La Salle with a close 87-86 win last October 30, there was delight in the eyes of the 6-foot-4 Castro, as it avoided any complications in their Final Four appearance.
“Sobrang saya kasi siyempre, tatlong taon kami nasa Final Four, pero medyo malungkot kasi pang-apat kami,” said Castro, who is a member of the All-UAAP Season 82 team.
“Kahit papano, thankful pa din kasi siyempre, Final Four. Last playing year ko na din, gusto kong may mapatunayan. Madami din gra-graduate sa ‘min kaya gusto namin ng magandang exit. Pasasalamat na din sa FEU.”
Standing in their way, though, will be Mar Prado and the Lady Falcons.
The Lady Tamaraws and the Lady Falcons split their elimination round series. FEU drew first blood, before suffering a narrow loss in the second round.
Knowing how the Lady Falcons work, Castro hopes her team plays literally like there’s no tomorrow on Sunday.
“Kailangan namin higitan ‘yung energy nila sa paglalaro kasi sobrang liksi nila, tsaka para ma-stop si Mar at ‘yung iba pa, kailangan double effort sa defense. Kung pwede pa nga triple na rin para siyempre, makuha namin ‘yung gusto namin. ‘Yung offense dadating na ‘yan ‘pag good defense ka.”
