Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw Josee Kaputu exploded another double-digit performance despite their loss against National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 58-95, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 women's basketball tourney at the Adamson University Gym in Manila City earlier today, October 4.

The green-and-gold bigman from Congo performed another double digit output logging in 27 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals.

The Lady Tamaraws failed to gain momentum in the first quarter despite an impressive start with a steal and a basket, ending 11-18.

With 10 committed fouls in the first half, the Lady Tams struggled to protect the paint and missed the opportunity to reduce the lead.

During the third quarter, FEU’s defense was not enough to stop the fast-paced offense of the Bulldogs, extending the lead to 22.

Even with the Lady Tams' 40 starter points, their bench struggled to contribute, getting outscored by the Lady Bulldogs’ second unit 55-14.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Head Coach Bert Flores mentioned that unlike their first game, the fighting spirit and contribution from their bench were lacking.

“Nawala 'yung fighting spirit nila, 'yung aggressiveness nung first game, [tsaka] ‘yung contribution nung iba. Sila [NU] 'yung nag-pressure samin, 'di katulad [nung] last game. (They lost their fighting spirit, the aggressiveness of the first game, [also] the contribution of others. They [NU] put pressure on us, unlike [the] last game).“ he said.

Team captain Jamerin Delos Santos also added that they should not only rely on Josee and everyone needs to step-up for them to win.

“Sobrang thankful namin na meron kaming sobrang galing na import [pero] hindi pwedeng umasa lang kami kay Josee, kailangan din naming mga locals na mag step-up. (We are very thankful that we have a very good import [but] we can't just rely on Josee, we locals need to step-up.) she mentioned.

Shane Salvani contributed seven points with four steals, together with Queenie Aquino and Julie Manguiat’s 12 combined points with four assists and three steals.

FEU will try to rebound from their loss and improve their 1-1 win-loss standing in their next game against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City on Sunday, October 8.

-Leiniel A. Santos

(Photo by Kayla Babista/FEU Advocate)