EJ Lopez took charge in the fourth quarter, leading Far Eastern University (FEU) to a stunning 67-64 victory over Adamson University in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday.
Lopez sank four three-pointers in the final period, including the go-ahead shot from the top of the key with 1:02 remaining, giving the Lady Tamaraws a 65-64 lead.
“Grabe lang po ‘yung kumpyansa na binibigay sa amin ni coach Raiza na kapag open, itira mo nang buong puso, nang walang duda,” said the third-year guard Lopez, who finished with 17 points – including 12 in the fourth quarter on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from beyond the arc.
Victoria Adeshina had a golden opportunity for the Lady Falcons on a fastbreak with 16 seconds left, but she missed a wide-open layup.
Shane Salvani then provided insurance for FEU, knocking down two free throws with 11.5 seconds remaining.
Adamson’s hopes were dashed when Kim Mazo mishandled a pass from Elaine Etang on the next possession.
Joann Nagma had a chance to seal the win from the free-throw line with 4.1 seconds left but missed both attempts.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
However, she quickly redeemed herself by securing a crucial steal that helped the Lady Tamaraws improve to 2-6, snapping a four-game losing streak.
“I’m not surprised na ganito ang nilaro namin. I’ve seen them play every day, six times a week, and naniniwala ako na kaya nila. Like I’ve mentioned in the first round, kailangan lang namin mag sabay-sabay na merong magandang nilalaro,” said FEU’s first-year head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy.
Yvette Villanueva also played a key role for the Lady Tamaraws, contributing 13 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks.
Meanwhile, Salvani, MJ Manguiat, and Rea Ong each chipped in with eight points.
Adamson dropped to 5-3, still holding third place but now just half a game ahead of fourth-running Ateneo de Manila University, which holds a 4-3 record.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Elaine Etang led the Lady Falcons with 16 points, six rebounds, and three steals, while Cheska Apag added 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals.
Nigerian center Adeshina was limited to seven points and eight rebounds, struggling against FEU’s all-Filipino lineup after the team lost Congolese center Josee Kaputu earlier in the season due to a torn ACL.
Both teams return to action next weekend at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Adamson will face De La Salle University on October 19 at 6:00 PM. On the other hand, FEU will take on University of the East on October 20 at 10:00 AM.
The Scores:
FEU 67 – Lopez 17, Villanueva 13, Salvani 8, Manguiat 8, Ong 8, Dela Torre 5, Nagma 4, Paras 2, Pasilang 2.
AdU 64 – Etang 16, Apag 14, Mazo 9, Padilla 7, Adeshina 7, Meniano 5, E. Alaba 2, Ornopia 2, Agojo 2, A. Alaba 0, Bajo 0, Limbago 0.
Quarterscores: 17-16, 36-33, 47-49, 67-64
