After suffering three losses in their last four games, the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws put up a defensive clinic in the second half, romping the hapless University of the Philippines Lady Maroons, 73-49, Sunday morning at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
“Sabi ko, kailangan natin mag bounce back by containing yung shooters nila. Matatalino sila pero sabi ko daanin natin sa skill,” quipped Lady Tamaraws head coach Bert Flores.
The win snaps FEU’s two-game losing streak, that includes a 67-73 meltdown against the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses last September 23, lifting their card to 3-3 — good for solo fourth. UP, on the other hand, fell to 0-5.
A close contest marked the first half that saw the Lady Maroons even lead by as much as five points. But come the third frame, the Lady Tamaraws locked down on defense to lead to beautiful offense.
Leading the charge for FEU was shooting guard Valerie Mamaril. Mamaril torched the Lady Maroons in the second half, knocking down for of her five triples during the last 20 minutes of the game. She finished the game with a game-high 21 points, spiked by a 50 percent clip from downtown.
Skipper Precious Arellado added seven markers during the third frame to turn a six-point lead into a 20-point margin entering the final frame.
“Importante lang sa akin yung maka-assist at rebounds siya,” Flores remarked about his team captain, who finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Demoralized, the Lady Maroons shot blanks in the final frame, scoring just 11 points as FEU led by as much as 27 points.
“Focus tayo sa end game at sa depensa, yun yung nawala sa amin nung last two games,” Flores recalled telling his troops during the final quarter of the blowout.
Moreover, the Lady Tamaraws greatly out-rebounded the Lady Maroons, 64-39. Angelica Gerner and Mary Ann Bastatas grabbed 10 and 14 rebounds respectively.
Daphne Esplana led UP with 11 points, while Iriss Isip was limited to just six markers. The two were stifled by the FEU defense, shooting a combined 1-for-11 from downtown.
FEU look to end the round with a positive record on Wednesday, October 4, when they take on the Adamson University Lady Falcons at 11:00am. UP will face the National University Lady Bulldogs on the same day at 1:00pm. Both games will take place at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Scores:
FEU 73 – Mamaril 21, Arellado 17, Jumuad 6, Ouano 6, Balleser 5, Quiapo 5, Bastatas 4, De Guzman 3, Antiola 2, Gerner 2, Okunlola 2, Bahuyan 0, Payadon 0, Taguioam 0.
UP 49 – Esplana 11, Ordoveza 8, Medina 6, Isip 6, Rodas 5, Pesquera 5, Domingo 4, Lapid 3, Cruz 1, Bascon 0, Tan 0.
Quarterscores: 16-13, 31-25, 58-38, 73-49.
