Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws prevailed against University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 64-47, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) women’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

The green-and-gold squad started the match with a dominating sport and excellent defense-to-offense gameplay to secure the momentum.

While the Lady Warriors struggled to stage their offense, the Lady Tams successfully defended their baseline, limiting them to scoring 11 points in the first quarter.

With Queennie Aquino’s 13 points in the first frame, the Morayta-based squad gained a huge 12-point lead, 23-11.

Morayta cagebelle Jamerin Delos Santos started the second quarter with a two-point jumper, together with a shot beyond the arc from Aquino to continue their domination in the game.

With 7:32 on the clock, the Recto-squad were yet to gain possession as they struggled to create plays in their offense.

Lady Tams reserve Nicole Cabahug added to FEU’s firepower with an instant basket, ending the second quarter, 39-26.

UE’s Kat Ruiz led the Lady Warriors in trying to catch up with the momentum of the Lady Tamaraws with a successful foul-count, but Josee Kaputu responded with a basket to protect the lead.

Morayta cagebelle Delos Santos continued the heat in the third with a deep drive into the defense of UE with an assist from Shane Salvanni.

The Lady Tams ended the third quarter boosting their lead to 18, outplaying the Lady Warriors with back-to-back steals to drive through the basket.

During the fourth, Aquino continued the intensity of the green-and-gold squad with a successful steal leading to a fast-break.

However, FEU Head Coach Bert Flores was forced to call a timeout as Morayta shooters got shut down during the 2:34 time with a three-pointer from the red-and-white squad.

Despite another two-point jumper by the Lady Warriors, FEU still outlasted them with a 17-point lead to end the match.

In a post-game interview, Coach Bert expressed his joy as the Lady Tams performed an excellent match.

“Masaya kasi maganda dahil first game namin ngayon sa second round. Ilang games na din na sarili lang din kalaban namin dahil sa sobrang taas ng turnovers. Buti na lang at lumamang talaga kami agad at na-control ‘yung turnovers (I'm happy because it's good because today is our first game in the second round. There have been a few games where our opponents are our own because of the high turnovers. It's good that we got better right away and controlled the turnovers),” he said.

Aquino added that their win in today’s match will be a confidence booster for the team in the second round.

“Hindi pa dito nagtatapos, start pa lang 'to kasi maganda ‘yung start namin ngayon second round kaya dadalhin namin ‘yung confidence na nakuha namin ngayon sa mga susunod naming mga game (It doesn't end here, it's just the beginning because we had a good start in the second round, so we will carry the confidence we gained today into our next games),” she mentioned.

Aquino led the Lady Tams with 23 points, one rebound and assist. Kaputu’s double-double performance of 15 points and 16 rebounds also contributed to the team.

The Morayta cagebelles entered the second round of eliminations ending their four-game losing streak with a 3-5 win-loss record and will attempt to climb up the leaderboards against defending champs National University Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, October 28, at the Adamson University Gymnasium in Manila City.

-Leiniel A. Santos

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)