Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws encountered their ninth loss against Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 66-79, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) season 86 women’s basketball tourney earlier today, November 12, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

As the second round headed into the final stretch, the Lady Tamaraws gushed on their remaining bounce back game after being ousted on the final four contention.

Joann Mae Nagma led the green-and-gold squad by scoring six points, enabling the team to showcase a strong start against AdMU during the first frame.

Despite the close game in the second quarter with 8:28 left on the clock, Lady Tams faltered to the opponent’s defensive masterclass, losing possession in scoring.

With fouls committed by the team, Blue Eagles slipped past Tams losing the momentum that succumbed them on scoring, easily handing them a 29-39 cushion in the halftime.

FEU gunners Josee Kaputu and Shane Salvani were able to close AdMU’s 10 point lead to six, yet still hindered by the rival’s consistent scoring, 66-79. 

During the post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Head Coach Bert Flores commented on the team’s lack of momentum during close game instances, given that the team already lost the hopes of reaching the final four.

“Ganun talaga, kasi wala naman na kami chance for final four eh, so ‘yun, siguro ano na lang talaga, goal na lang namin mapataas ang standing ng team. (It is what it is, we no longer have a chance in the final four, so I guess our goal is to improve our team’s standing).” Flores remarked.

Nagma chipped in 18 points and four rebounds, while big-man Kaputu added 13 points and 11 boards along with Jaina Del Prado that contributed 10 markers and two assists.

FEU remains in pursuit of improving their stint and put a good farewell this season in their next match against University of Santo Tomas (UST) on November 15 at the same venue.

-Nathalia Coleen Favila

(Photo by Rafael Latoza/FEU Advocate)