The University of the East Lady Warriors extended their winning streak to three games with a 55-45 victory over the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws.
Nicole Mendina led UE with 15 points and she was followed by Love Sto. Domingo who scored 12 today at the Araneta Coliseum. Sto. Domingo added eight boards to her total.
UE controlled the game from tipoff as they erected a 40-35 advantage over FEU into the break. The Lady Warriors were then able to put up an 11 point lead at the start of the third quarter courtesy of a Mendina basket.
Although the Lady Tamaraws were able to cut the Lady Warriors’ lead to just five points at the end of the third quarter, UE still maintained control of the game.
“Ang gulo eh. Hindi ko alam kung ano yung problema. Hindi sila nag-enjoy. Masyadong tight yung laro nila. Kaya sabi ko sa kanila nung fourth quarter na kailangan natin pumukpok. Wala naman tinatawag na malas sa basketball eh basta dumipensa ka,” said UE mentor Aileen Lebornio.
The Lady Tamaraws made sliced the Lady Warriors’ cushion to just 39-42 from an Angelica Gerner basket, markers from Sto. Domingo and Mendina gave UE a commanding 47-39 lead.
Eunique Chan then virtually sealed the game when her shot made it 53-40 in favor of UE as the Lady Warriors eventually won 55-45 over the Lady Tamaraws.
“Ang positive naman dito si yung last six minutes naka-adjust ang mga players. Nakuha nila ang mga gusto ng mga coaches, kung anong gusto namin laruin ngayon. Nakuha nila yung opensa at yung depensa. Nag-enjoy sila nung last six minutes,” Lebornio explained.
There were two things, though, which Lebornio lamented after the game. The Lady Warriors committed 24 turnovers and shot 66.67 percent from the free throw area which disappointed the veteran head coach.
Lebornio added, “Sobra yung turnovers namin atsaka yung free throws namin, siguro yan yung mga kailangan natin i-solve sa susunod na game namin. Hindi kami pwede ganun ang laro namin.”
UE shot 33.33 percent from the field compared to FEU’s 20.83 percent. The Lady Warriors also had 48 rebounds while FEU got 40. Precious Arellado led FEU with 15 points.
Up next for UE (3-1) will be the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles (1-2) on September 24, 10:00AM while FEU (1-2) will also play the same team on September 21, 8:00AM. Both games will be in the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UE (55) – Mendina 15, Sto. Domingo 12, Chan 10, Ramos 9, Francisco 4, Tacula 3, Requiron 2, Gayacao 0, Relova 0 Antonio 0, Nama 0, Cortizano 0.
FEU (45) – Arellado 15, Gerner 9, Ventura 8, Ouano 4, Mamaril 3, Okunlola 2, Payadon 2, Balleser 1, Quiapo 1, Jumuad 0, De Guzman 0, Vidal 0.
Quarterscores: 10-6, 25-20, 40-35, 55-45
