The improved defensive execution of the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws led the team to clinch its first victory against the University of the East (UE) Lady Red Warriors, 62-50, in their first-round matchup in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 85 women’s basketball tourney at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion, October 5.

During their first game of the season, FEU Head Coach Bert Flores mentioned that the Lady Tams struggled on the defensive end which gave the team an upset loss against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles.

“Depensa lang talaga ang sabi ko nga sa kanila, hindi ‘yung binuhos lang natin doon [sa Ateneo] dahil sa UE, halos parehas lang kami na nag-prepare… at least na-execute naman ang game plan talaga, maganda ang ball movement (I only told them to defend, not just what we poured [in Ateneo] because with UE, we prepared the same... at least the game plan was executed, the ball movement was good),” Coach Flores said during the post-game conference yesterday.

It was a good start for the Lady Tamaraws as they managed to deliver on both ends of the court that put them at an advantage by the end of the first canto, 17-12.

FEU rookies Kyla Go and Angel Obien led the team after scoring 14 points and 13 points respectively to pull away and seal their first win, 62-50.

The green-and-gold veterans also generated stats with Erica Lopez and Danica Pacia both chipping in eight points, while Princess Jumuad and Team Captain Camille Taguiam scored seven points apiece.

During the post-game interview, Player of the Game Go expressed that she was happy to play in the collegiate league and contribute to the team despite being a rookie.

“Sobrang saya po syempre, lalo po rookie ngayon lang po ako nakaranas ng UAAP. Nung natalo po kami sa Ateneo mas lalo po gusto naming makabawi sa laro na ito at manalo (It's a lot of fun, of course, especially as a rookie, I just experienced the UAAP. When we lost to Ateneo, we wanted more to recover and win this game),” Go stated. 

FEU Lady Tamaraws will try to get another win against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on Saturday, October 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

-Ma. Katlene R. Angcanan

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP)