University of the Philippines showed composure in the clutch, securing a narrow 82-77 victory over Far Eastern University to claim a share of fourth place in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Following a tough 64-76 loss to National University last Wednesday, the win was a much-needed boost for the Fighting Maroons, who find themselves tied with idle Ateneo de Manila University for the fourth spot in the standings.
“We’re happy that we won in the end. I liked how we won this game because I felt the players had a more calm demeanor during that endgame,” said Fighting Maroons head coach Paul Ramos.
His team is starting to find their form despite not having last season’s Rookie of the Year Favour Onoh due to an ACL injury for this campaign.
“As the season goes, it’s a process that we have to really improve on a lot of the facets of our game.”
The game itself was closely contested throughout.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
After Lady Tamaraw Shane Salvani hit back-to-back baskets to tie the score at 75-all, Achrissa Maw took charge for UP.
The third-year forward from De La Salle-Zobel delivered in the clutch, sinking two free throws and a crucial layup that gave the Fighting Maroons a four-point cushion with 35.7 seconds left on the clock.
FEU refused to back down, though. With 12.5 seconds remaining, MJ Manguiat trimmed the deficit to three after sinking two of her three free throws.
However, UP’s Kaye Pesquera calmly sank two clutch free throws to secure the victory for the Fighting Maroons.
“FEU, with all their great-minded coaches, they’re really improving their program. Even if Coach Raiza (Palmera-Dy) is new, I feel she’s backed up by very skillful and veteran coaches,” added Ramos, also feeling for the Lady Tams who lost Josee Kaputu to the same injury Onoh suffered in their second game of the season.
“Approaching this game, we respected their game and we prepared for it. This game is expected to be like this – very aggressive on both ends.”
Maw finished the hard-fought game with a career-high 25 points, shooting 10-of-13 from the field. She also had nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Gilas Pilipinas Women pool member Louna Ozar also made a significant contribution, recording a double-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and three steals.
UP will aim to extend its winning streak as it takes on the surging Adamson University next Saturday at 11:30 AM at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
On the other hand, Salvani’s stellar 28-point, six-rebound, and three-assist performance wasn’t enough to prevent FEU from dropping to a 1-3 record.
Max dela Torre and Manguiat also chipped in 11 points each in the losing effort.
FEU will look to bounce back in their next game against Ateneo de Manila University next Sunday at 1:30 PM, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
UP 82 – Maw 25, Ozar 17, Bariquit 13, Solitario 8, Pesquera 6, Mendoza 3, Lozada 3, Barba 3, Tapawan 2, Nolasco 1, Vingno 1, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0, Quinquinio 0.
FEU 77 – Salvani 28, Dela Torre 11, Manguiat 11, Lopez 9, Pasilang 6, Libor 5, Villanueva 5, Nangma 2, Paras 0, Gavaran 0, Ong 0.
Quarterscores: 29-24, 41-48, 64-66, 82-77
