By Angel Joyce C. Basa

With a 2-5 finish on the elimination round, Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws concluded their Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament journey after succumbing to the Pilipinas Aguilas, 49-78, in their Group A semifinals match held today, April 6, at the New Era Central Recreational and Fitness Center in Quezon City.

The Morayta-based cagebelles started off slow against the Aguilas, failing to catch momentum over the defensive team, resulting in a first-quarter drop with a 21-point disadvantage, 11-32.

Pilipinas Aguilas continued with their dominant run to extend their lead, doubling the Lady Tamaraws’ score as they ended the first half at 26-52.

With their go-to player Amyah Espanol sitting the game out due to a sustained injury, the green-and-gold team showed vulnerability against a two-seeded team. But despite her absence, FEU’s Maxene Dela Torre stepped up to produce 10 points in the early half.

The Lady Tamaraws entered the second half of the game far behind the Aguilas as they absorbed the biggest lead of the match at 36 points, 29-62. 

The lead remained on the other side of the court as FEU rallied behind the twice-to-beat contender until the very last quarter, closing the game down by 29 points, 49-78.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, team captain MJ Manguiat looks forward to a bolder version of the Lady Tamaraws ahead of another University Athletic Association of the Philippines season, now with more experience from WMPBL.

“Lalaban pa rin kami nang matapang. Of course, ‘be brave,’ right? Na kahit anong—kung sino man ‘yang nasa harap namin, bibigyan pa rin namin ng magandang laban (We will still give a strong fight. Of course, be brave, right? That no matter who is in front of us, we will still give them a good fight),” she said.

Despite being unable to force a decider game against the Aguilas, the Tamaraw cagebelles ended their run at the third spot of the Group A leaderboards.

(Photo courtesy of Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League)