By: Joaquin Cortez
Far Eastern University returned to the winning column after routing the hard-luck University of the East, 73-53, in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
After suffering three consecutive losses, including a defeat to National University on Sunday, the Lady Tamaraws bounced back to improve to 3-3.
“It’s very important for us to go over the hump after ng three straight losses namin against Ateneo, UST, and then NU. Sabi ko nga sa kanila kanina sa huddle, ‘This is the most important game for us.’ We cannot think about other games,” FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy said.
“If meron kaming na-gain from the losses, especially against UST, nakuha namin ‘yung pagiging physical because we don’t have the height advantage. We are not the most skilled team here in the UAAP, so ini-instill ko lang sa girls to play physical,” she added.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
The Lady Tamaraws set the tone early, with Elaine Patio sinking two free throws to give FEU a nine-point lead at the end of the opening quarter, 27-18.
FEU responded to every UE push in the second period before closing the half with a 6-1 run. Free throws from Victoria Pasilang and Amyah Espanol capped the rally, sending the Lady Tamaraws into the break with a 43-30 advantage.
FEU widened the gap in the third quarter, unleashing a 10-1 run to build a 20-point lead, 58-38, with Gwyneth Peje converting both free throws to cap the surge. The Lady Tamaraws maintained control for the remainder of the period, carrying a 61-44 cushion into the final frame.
UE struggled to mount a comeback in the fourth quarter as FEU kept its lead in double digits. Erica Lopez then buried a triple with less than four minutes remaining to stretch the advantage to 23 points and put the game out of reach.
Lopez led FEU with 14 points, while Espanol contributed 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists. MJ Manguiat also finished with 10 points and three assists.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors suffered their 30th consecutive defeat, extending their winless streak since Season 87 and dropping to 0-6 this season.
Sy Oñate paced UE with 18 points and four steals, while Rachel Lacayanga added 16 points, seven rebounds, and five steals in the loss.
Both teams will return to action at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City to close out the first round.
FEU will look to sustain its momentum when it faces Adamson University on Saturday, October 24, at 10 a.m.
UE, meanwhile, will attempt to snap its losing streak against Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, October 25, at 10 a.m.
The Scores:
FEU 73 – Lopez 14, Espanol 10, Manguiat 10, Patio 9, Pasilang 7, Dela Torre 6, Salvani 4, Peje 4, Escarez 3, Ellorimo 3, Ong 2, Kant 1, Agcambot 0, Melvida 0, Gavaran 0, Quinte 0.
UE 53 – Oñate 18, Lacayanga 16, Buscar 4, Guillim 4, Vacalares 3, Sajol 3, Cruz 3, Ronquillo 2, Dublar 0, Ramos 0, Lumibao 0, Salise 0, Gutierrez 0, Dalguntas 0.
Quarterscores: 27-18, 43-30, 61-44, 73-53.
