By Aimerose C. Atienza

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws did not manage to sustain their lead against  Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles, 64-72, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s basketball tourney held earlier today, October 14, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The Lady Tams were off to a good start, but an open defense during the first quarter jotted their lead to three, 21-18.

During the second frame, FEU executed a great offensive stance extending their lead to its largest with a jumper from Lady Tam Josee Kaputu, 32-19.

With 4:54 minutes left in the first half, Kaputu delivered 18 points as FEU eyes to propel to a 3-2 standing for a quadruple tie at second seed alongside University of Santo Tomas, National University, and AdMU.

Though momentum was on the green-and-gold side, their poor defense hurt them once again. Blue Eagle Junize Calago conducted two layups to pioneer Ateneo’s 13-1 run, closing FEU’s gap to one, 33-32.

The first half ended with Morayta cagebelle Queennie Aquino shooting beyond the arc as the Lady Tams settled with a 41-36 possession.

Entering the third quarter, the Lady Tams struggled to keep momentum as Ateneo delivered on both ends of the court.

Blue Eagle reinforcement Sarah Makanjuola created an and one play to shift the game’s lead to Ateneo’s side, 43-44.

Kaputu’s output was limited to only six points in the second half as Blue Eagles big gunners Makanjuola and Kacey Dela Rosa worked in tight defense.

During the post-game conference, Ateneo’s Dela Rosa mentioned the strategy to control Kaputu’s offense.

“You just need to raise your hands para to limit her scoring,” Dela Rosa said.

In the final frame, FEU had a meltdown as they were put on a foul penalty that paved the way for AdMU to finish the match in 64-72.

The Bert Flores-led team dropped to a 2-3 win-loss record and will next face Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons on Wednesday, October 18, at the AdU Gym in Manila City.

(Photo by Justine Jaerigg/FEU Advocate)