By: Joaquin Cortez
Far Eastern University ended its 13-year winless spell against powerhouse National University with an 85-81 victory in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
After struggling from beyond the arc in the second half, Amyah Espanol rediscovered her shooting touch in the closing minutes, scoring six of her career-high 27 points in the final minute to lift the Lady Tamaraws to their fifth win in nine games.
The victory moved FEU to within a game of the second-running Lady Bulldogs, who dropped to 6-3.
It was also FEU’s first win over NU since Season 76, when the Lady Tamaraws prevailed, 57-50, on July 7, 2013.
Despite the loss, NU remained in second place behind unbeaten University of Santo Tomas, which holds an 8-0 record.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“Lagi ko nga sinasabi sa players na our standard should be kung sino ‘yung nasa top four, or even the top teams like UST and NU. Nandoon ‘yung goal namin,” FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy said. “This is just a testament that we can do it. It’s just that we need to work hard … We don’t have the height, and we don’t have the most talented team.
“For us, ‘yung game plan worked well today,” she added.
After a tightly contested opening quarter, FEU began to pull away in the second period, building a nine-point halftime lead behind Espanol’s five three-pointers to take a 50-41 advantage.
NU, however, spoiled the Lady Tamaraws’ momentum as FEU struggled to find answers in the third quarter. The Lady Bulldogs closed the period with a 7-2 run, capped by Tin Cayabyab’s triple, to trim the deficit to just two points, 65-63, heading into the final frame.
The Lady Bulldogs carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, with Aloha Betanio knocking down back-to-back triples to give NU its first lead since the opening period at 72-67.
Both teams continued to trade baskets before Victoria Pasilang connected from beyond the arc to put FEU back in front, 78-77.
NU refused to back down, however, as Cayabyab converted a layup to reclaim the lead for the Lady Bulldogs, 81-79, with just over a minute remaining.
Espanol responded with back-to-back baskets to put FEU back on top. NU had a chance to force a tie, but Cayabyab missed a fadeaway jumper. Espanol then sealed the victory by sinking two free throws in the final eight seconds to account for the final score.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“We know that from the past, the second round isn’t really our strength. We just went in with a focus that no matter what, we’re going to hold on to what we’ve built in the first half,” said Espanol, who also tallied four rebounds and two steals. “We’ve had so many lessons this season. I think it’s finally time for us to mature and get to the place where NU is.”
Shane Salvani backed Espanol with 19 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Erica Lopez chipped in 11 points for the Lady Tamaraws.
FEU also found its range from long distance, converting 11 of its 27 attempts from beyond the arc for an impressive 44.0 percent clip.
Meanwhile, Cielo Pagdulangan led NU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Ann Pingol contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.
FEU will look to sustain its momentum when it faces the University of the East on Wednesday, November 4, at 10 a.m. The Lady Bulldogs, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back against De La Salle University on Sunday, November 8, at 10 a.m.
The Scores:
FEU 85 – Espanol 27, Salvani 19, Lopez 11, Pasilang 9, Patio 6, Dela Torre 6, Gavaran 4, Manguiat 3, Agcambot 0, Peje 0, Kant 0.
NU 81 – Pagdulagan 17, Pingol 12, Solis 11, Betanio 8, Lapasaran 8, Rosano 7, Cayabyab 7, Alba 7, Villanueva 4, Alterado 0, Garcia 0.
Quarterscores: 21-20, 50-41, 65-63, 85-81.
