On the brink of elimination, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws’s veterans kept their season alive with a decisive sweep of the National University Lady Bulldogs, 25-21, 25-21, 25-22 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Having made further adjustments to their starting rotation, the Lady Tamaraws edged out their Jhocson-based foes through gritty floor defense and efficient offense. FEU’s service game coaxed NU into 27 errors and nailed in eight aces.
Bernadeth Pons led FEU with 16 points, and was impeccable on defense with 16 excellent receptions from 31 attempts, while Toni Basas added 14.
“Sinabi ko sa mga bata na huwag na nila isipin ‘yung games at mga pagkakamali namin before. Ngayon na nagsimula ‘yung season namin. Ngayon na namin ibuhos lahat nang meron kami. Masaya kami na nanalo kami pero hindi pa tapos ang season namin,” said FEU skipper Remy Palma, who provided four points and her usual mind games at the net.
The Lady Tamaraws (7-6) can assure themselves of at least a playoff for a Final Four spot on Wednesday at the FilOil Flying V Centre when they meet the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons (7-5) in another do-or-die clash.
Jaja Santiago towed the Lady Bulldogs with 20 points, while Jorelle Singh managed 11.
NU (7-6) drop their second match in a row. They also face a must-win situation on Saturday when they take on the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses (7-5) at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores
FEU (3) – Pons 16, Basas 14, Nagrito 6, Palma 4, Guino-O 3, Villareal 3, Agudo 1, Atienza 1, Cayuna 0, Hernandez 0, Duremdes (L)
NU (0) – Santiago 20, Singh 11, Urdas 8, Sato 4, Paran 3, Nabor 2, Doromal 1, Valdez (L)
