Queenie Aquino caught fire early, carrying Far Eastern University to a routine 64-47 victory over struggling University of the East to open Wednesday’s UAAP Season 86 Women’s Basketball Tournament quadruple-header slate at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The second-year shooting guard led the Lady Tamaraws with 23 points — 16 of which were scored in the first half — alongside three assists and one steal.
Aquino shared that it was important for her to step up to show that FEU does not have to be overly reliant on Congolese center Josee Kaputu.
“Hindi pa rin natatapos yung game namin. Start palang ‘to. Ginagawa namin tong stepping stone namin papunta sa next games namin,” she said. “Sinasabi ni Coach Bert (Flores) sa amin (na) wag lagi kami kay Josee. Kailangan namin mag-contribute para at least pag off si Josee, nandun kami para magbigay ng tulong sa team.”
Powered by Aquino’s hot start, the Lady Tamaraws led by as much as 21 points in the first half. FEU maintained its control of the game in the third quarter, only allowing UE to trim the deficit to just 41-30 off a Kat Ruiz basket early in the period.
Aquino then torched the Lady Warriors to provide the finishing touches for the Lady Tamaraws. She scored five unanswered points while Kaputu and Shane Salvani converted one free throw each to give FEU its biggest lead at 60-37 with 6:34 to go in the game.
FEU snapped its four-game losing streak and rose to fifth place in the standings with a 3-5 record, behind UST and Ateneo, which have identical 5-2 slates. The Lady Tams have already improved on their 2-12 record last season with six more elimination round games to go.
The Lady Tamaraws swept the Lady Warriors this season as the former prevailed 63-53 last October 8.
Kaputu followed Aquino’s lead by contributing 15 points, 16 rebounds, three steals, and two assists. However, she also committed eight turnovers — the most from the Lady Tamaraws in the game, highlighting a consistent problem for FEU this season.
Flores lamented the Lady Tamaraws’ tendency to turn over the ball to the opposition. The Lady Tamaraws averaged 29.0 turnovers in the first round and they committed 31 against the Lady Warriors. UE also outrebounded them, 36 to 24.
“Kasi ilang games na, kalaban namin lagi FEU lang din. FEU to FEU,” said Flores. “Bakit? Kasi turnover ng turnover, kami lang kalaban ng sarili namin — 28, 30. Isipin mo dalawang laro na yan. Kaya gusto namin i-improve talaga yung turnovers namin tsaka rebounds.”
FEU will look to build on this win by upsetting defending champion National University this Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Adamson University Gym.
On the other hand, Minslie Paule led UE with 17 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals while Trixie Burgos had 13 points and 11 rebounds.
UE has now suffered 31 consecutive losses. The Lady Warriors last tasted victory on September 21, 2019 — a 68-66 win against University of the Philippines at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
UE will next face Ateneo this Sunday at 11 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Scores:
FEU 64 – Aquino 23, Kaputu 15, Manguiat 5, Delos Santos 4, Ong 4, Dela Torre 3, Antonio 3, Del Prado 2, Nagma 2, Cabahug 2, Salvani 1, Caringal 0, Pasilang 0, Paras 0, Amargo 0.
UE 47 – Paule 17, Burgos 13, Lorena 5, Pedregosa 4, Delig 3, Ruiz 3, Ronquillo 2, Yanez 0, Kone 0, Anastacio 0.
Quarterscores: 23-11, 39-26, 53-35, 64-47.
