Coming off a bridesmaid finish last year, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Cagers succumbed over the five-time defending champions National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 60-80, in season opener of University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 82, September 4 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Despite a having a heavyweight match in their opening game, FEU head coach Bert Flores remained positive after their first loss to the Lady Bulldogs.

“Mataas ang confidence ng players kaysa ‘yung galing ka sa weak ta's malakas agad at least nasubukan mo na agad [siya] para prepared sa second round (The confidence of the players is high, instead of coming from a weak [team] and then facing a strong [team] at least we already tested [NU], so that [we can be] prepared for the second round)," Flores said.

The first three quarters of the game were tightly contested, wherein the second canto both teams couldn't convert their possessions. However, the Jhocson-based cagers woke up after halftime where they scored a 5-11 run to start the third canto over the Lady Tams.

Castro’s three-pointer attempt in the third quarter tied the game at 33. With their defensive prowess and converting at the other end, FEU kept this game at their grasp till the end of the quarter.

It was in the fourth quarter of the game where the Lady Bulldogs took over, scoring 28 of the 80 points in the quarter. Flores told FEU Advocate that turnover became the main problem in his team.

“Okay naman nung first, second at third. Ang problem ay sa rotation, fatigue at turnover ang [pinaka-ano] sa fourth quarter (The first, second, and the third [quarters] were okay. The problems were the rotation, fatigue and turnover in the fourth quarter)," Flores said.

FEU’s Clare Castro ignited the team with her double-double performance of 24 points and 10 rebounds to go along with her five rejections in the game. Valerie Mamaril added 16 markers to the bucket.

The green-and-gold squad will aim to improve their game against the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors on Sunday, September 8 at the same venue.

-Joaquin Luis E. Quesada
(See full album: UAAP 82 Women's Basketball - FEU vs NU)