Far Eastern University held off a strong surge from University of the East to take the 70-59 victory Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Clare Castro towered over the competition as she uncorked 20 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks to lead the Lady Tamaraws to their first win.
“Wala silang malaki, so kailangan natin gamitin si Clare,” said coach Bert Flores, taking full advantage of his side’s edge down low. “Pag nilabas mo si Clare, halos bulilit na ang players namin eh.”
Choy Bahuyan added 16 points, six boards, three steals, and two assists, while Fatima Quiapo got herself 12 points, six rebounds, and four dimes.
Their effort helped FEU break away early, taking a 34-15 halftime lead that swelled to as high as 18, 53-35, heading into the fourth quarter.
But Princess Pedregosa led UE back in the game, cutting the deficit down to just nine, 57-48, with 5:32 to play.
Castro, however, quashed that rally as the Lady Tamaraws took the 11-point conquest.
Yet Flores isn’t batting an eyelash despite losing grip of that lead, with him giving confidence to his younger wards.
“Binigyan ko din ng confidence yung mga bagong players namin. Eight players ang mawawala next year, so kailangan silang bigyan ng confidence,” he said as they evened their standing at 1-1.
Pedregosa paced the Lady Warriors with a double-double of 21 points, 14 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Jearzy Ganade had 14 points and 14 boards in the defeat that kept them winless after two outings.
The Scores:
FEU 70 –– Castro 20, Bahuyan 16, Quiapo 12, Antiola 6, Mamaril 5, Jumuad 4, Pacia 3, Bastatas 2, Abat 2, Villanueva 0, Vidal 0, Payadon 0, Nagma 0, Delos Santos 0, De Leon 0, Adriano 0.
UE 59 — Pedregosa 21, Ganade 14, Ordas 6, Cortizano 6, Terrinal 4, Tinio 4, Noquil 4, Nama 0, Fernandez 0, Cuadero 0, Caraig 0.
Quarterscores: 14-9, 34-15, 53-35, 70-59.
