Far Eastern University’s dedication to its rigorous training sessions paid off in a big way.
Facing Final Four contender Adamson University, FEU pulled off a stunning upset with a commanding 67-47 victory in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
For third-year forward Yvette Villanueva, this win was a direct result of the Lady Tamaraws’ relentless effort during practices.
“Ang pinaka-memorable po sa akin ay yung suicides na ginagawa every day. Dun kami natutulak na mag-run at mag-run, para tumakbo kami. Running team po kami,” shared Villanueva, who delivered an impressive all-around performance with 13 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks.
“Fini-feed sa amin na tumakbo kayo at dumipensa tapos darating din yung opensa sa amin pag naka-stop kami. Thankfully po yung mga coaches, grabe yung binibigay na support sa amin at hinahayaan po kami magka-confidence sa sarili namin.”
Alongside Villanueva, another standout for the Lady Tamaraws was Erica Joi Lopez, who scored 12 of her 17 points in the fourth quarter alone, powered by four three-pointers.
Lopez’s back-to-back threes were crucial, giving FEU a narrow 53-52 lead with 7:39 remaining in the game. Despite her offensive contributions, Lopez emphasized that her mindset was focused on defense.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Actually, wala sa isip ko offense ko kanina,” Lopez admitted. “Ang naisip ko lang po ay dumipensa, dikdikin (ang kalaban). Naisip ko yung suicide namin. Ganun po kami sa training. Grabe po yung hirap ng training namin. Ina-apply ko lang. Ayun nga po, nare-rewardan siya sa offense.”
With this victory marking their second win of the season, FEU now has more than a week to prepare for their next game, scheduled for Sunday against the University of the East.
The Lady Tamaraws have the chance to string together consecutive wins for the second time this campaign. However, the team remains grounded, vowing to keep their focus and continue working hard.
“Sinasabi ni coach na one step at a time lang po,” said Lopez. “Siyempre, pag tinignan po namin lahat, ma-o-overwhelm po kami. So isa-isa lang po tapos training. Yung hirap at pagod, i-apply lang sa game.”
In addition to their hard work in practice, maintaining strong team camaraderie was crucial, especially when things didn’t go as planned during games.
“Binibigyan po kami ng kompyansa nila coach,” Villanueva shared. “Nakita ko din po di kami nag-iiwanan kahit may nagkakamali. Nandun pa rin kami at sama-sama. Sabi namin, bawi lang kasi pag nagsisisihan, lalong nawawala yung laro.”
With this strong sense of unity and determination, FEU looks to carry the momentum forward and continue their winning ways in the tournament.
