Far Eastern University outlasted De La Salle University, 76-71, to open its UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament campaign on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Tamaraws made an early statement that they can contend for a Final Four spot, with Asian Games campaigners Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang leading the way.
A silver medalist in 3×3 at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Espanol delivered a near triple-double performance for FEU with 18 points, nine steals, and eight rebounds. She finished with a plus-16 rating in 31 minutes and 29 seconds on the floor.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Her 3×3 teammate, Pasilang, also came up big with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Despite the impressive season opener, third-year head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy remained discontented with the victory.
“I’m not surprised with the way these two (Espanol and Pasilang) played, but as I said, our standards were not yet there. We are happy, but we are not contented in this game,” said Palmera-Dy.
With FEU ahead by just four points with less than four minutes remaining, Pasilang, Espanol, and Elaine Patio sparked a 7-2 blitz to give the Lady Tamaraws a 76-67 lead with 1:12 left to play.
That proved to be enough as the Lady Archers could only muster four more points the rest of the way, allowing FEU to secure the victory.
“Our goal this year is to be in the Final Four and push to the Finals. I think we really have a good chance; we have a very promising team this year,” said Espanol.
MJ Manguiat also delivered for FEU with 17 points, four assists, and four steals, while Patio added 12 points despite shooting just 4-of-14 from the field.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Kyla Go led La Salle with 19 points, although 14 of her points came from the free-throw line, where she shot a perfect 14-of-14. She struggled from the field, however, making just 2-of-12 attempts.
Nigerian center Favour Ojo also had an impressive debut for the Lady Archers, recording 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. La Salle will face the University of the East at 10:00 AM, followed by FEU’s clash with the University of the Philippines at 12:00 PM.
The Scores:
FEU (76) – Espanol 18, Manguiat 17, Pasilang 15, Patio 12, Salvani 8, Lopez 6, Dela Torre 0, Agcambot 0, Kant 0, Gavaran 0.
DLSU (71) – Go 19, Ojo 17, Dueñas 9, Sunga 6, A. Dizon 6, Anastacio 5, S. Dizon 4, Villarin 3, Delos Reyes 2, Lubrico 0, Araza 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 37-39, 56-55, 76-71.
