The Far Eastern University held the University of the Philippines scoreless in the first quarter, before escaping with a 73-67 squeaker for their fourth win in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament, Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Lady Tamaraws started off with a 21-0 opener and extended that lead to 26-0. The Lady Maroons fought back, however, and made a game out of it in the second half.
Fortunately, a 10-2 blitz for FEU allowed them to wiggle out of a close 62-59 affair. Princess Jumuad’s jumper then gave the Lady Tamaraws a 72-61 lead with two minutes remaining.
“Gusto kasi nilang idiin, pero ang hirap eh,” said coach Bert Flores. “Pero, naka-adjust naman sila.”
Valerie Mamaril paced FEU with 14 points, three rebounds, two assists, and steal. Meanwhile, Clare Castro added 12 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks.
Flores lauded his side’s veterans like Mamaril, Castro, and Fatima Quiapo, since they were vital in holding off the UP comeback.
“Mayroong leader diyan na pwedeng mag-take over like Mamaril, si Quiapo, si Jumuad kasi veteran na sila. Matured na sila sa laro,” he shared.
Yvette Villanueva chipped in 11 points and two rebounds for the Lady Tamaraws in their bounce-back win to rise to 4-2.
UP stayed at the cellar of the standings at 0-6, while also extending their losing streak to 36 straight games.
Pat Pesquera led the Lady Maroons with 21 points, nine rebounds, and three assists. Stiff Larrosa and Rei Sanchez finished with 17 and 11 markers, respectively.
The Scores:
FEU 73 –– Mamaril 14, Castro 12, Villanueva 11, Bahuyan 9, Payadon 7, Vidal 6, Jumuad 4, Abat 3, Delos Santos 3, Antiola 2, Quiapo 2, Adriano 0, Bastatas 0, Nagma 0.
UP 67 — Pesquera 21, Larrosa 17, Sanchez 11, Gusilatar 6, Lebico 6, Gonzales 4, Ordoveza 2, De Leon 0, Lucman 0, Rivera 0, Taulava 0.
Quarterscores: 21-0, 39-25, 57-47, 73-67.
