Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws doomed to outlast Adamson University (AdU) Falcons, 60-71, concluding their University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 women’s basketball tourney, earlier today November 19 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold squad started a close head-to-head match with AdU, showcasing a give and take scoring by two’s. 

In the first frame, Janna Del Prado’s 3-pointer shot contributed to a draw score of 13-13. 

Meanwhile, Josee Kaputu led the Lady Tams with eight points in the second quarter. Firmly holding onto the lead until Falcons outplayed them, concluding half time with 28-33.

Despite the attempt to pull away, Tamaraws grappled on Adamson‘s defense. Incapable of making a late game run in the last two frames of the match, ending 60-71.

During the post game interview with FEU Advocate, Head coach Bert Flores commented on the team’s mentality in aiming to conclude their season with dwell despite the loss.

“Sabi ko kanina before the game, talent. Lahat binigay ko sa kanila. ‘Yung man lang bayaran natin ang FEU. Yung pride namin ‘di ba? Na kaya naman ng talent natin…Kanina si Josee, nakuha na namin ‘yung play eh, kaso nag la-lapse talaga. (I said before the game, Talent. I gave them all. So that we can pay back on FEU. Our pride right? We can carry out our talent…Like Josee, we had possession of the play, but we kept on having lapses),” Flores remarked.

Congolese sweet-shooting Kaputu ended the game with 25 points and 20 rebounds, while Julie Manguiat chipped in 13 points and two rebounds. Along with Shane Salvani who added six points and six turnovers.

Coach Flores also thought about the importance of attitude as a key-point from today’s game that can be their ground for the next season.

“Yung attitude talaga namin. ‘Yung kulang sa effort and willingness, dapat ‘yun yung i-improve namin…Tanggalin ‘yung habits na naglalaro sila okay na ‘yun, dapat mawala talaga. (Our attitude. We lack effort and willingness, we should improve on that…Remove our habit that the players are already content with just playing, it must be vanished).” He added.

With both teams knotted with a 3-10 win-loss record, today’s losing match wrapped up FEU Lady Tamaraws’ campaign with 3-11. Ranking second to the last at the bottom of the ladder this season.

-Nathalia Coleen Favila

(Photo by Raph Bautista/FEU Advocate)