University of the Philippines halted its five-game slide after dominating Far Eastern University, 76-61, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Filoil EcoOil Centre on Saturday.
The Fighting Maroons hiked their record to 4-9 for joint-fifth with the De La Salle Lady Archers.
UP – last year’s third placers – will miss the Final Four this time around. The team will cap its campaign next Saturday against the UE Lady Warriors.
“I’m very happy and proud of my girls. It’s very mysterious how they played today because what we have been preparing for all the teams is the same. It’s just maybe we were more connected this time around and they are motivated to out-perform our opponent,” said UP head coach Paul Ramos.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
The Fighting Maroons led by 12 at halftime, 41-29 before extending it to 16 heading into the final frame, 61-45.
FEU never really closed in during the fourth quarter with 11 the closest it could get. Louna Ozar, Alex Mendoza, and Erika Jimenez provided the offense by UP.
Ozar just missed a triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, while Filipino-Australian rookie Mendoza added 11 points.
Kaye Pesquera chimed in 10 points while Jimenez posted nine points.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, the Lady Tamaraws suffered their third consecutive loss to fall to 3-10 at seventh.
Shane Salvani tallied 21 points and eight rebounds in the losing cause which also gained 12 points from Maxene Dela Torre.
FEU looks to deny National University an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals seat next Saturday at the same San Juan venue.
The Scores:
UP 76 – Ozar 14, Mendoza 11, Pesquera 10, Jimenez 9, Lozada 8, Nolasco 5, Tapawan 4, Bariquit 4, Maw 4, Sauz 3, Vingno 2, Quinquinio 2, Barba 0, Solitario 0.
FEU 61 – Salvani 21, Dela Torre 12, Pasilang 7, Villanueva 7, Manguiat 4, Lopez 2, Ong 2, Paras 2, Nagma 2, Gavaran 2.
Quarterscores: 18-14. 41-29, 61-45, 76-61.
