Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws failed to secure an early lead against De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 70-73, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball tournament earlier today, November 4, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Both teams kicked off the match with intensive defense, but the Lady Tams countered with effective perimeter offense.

With MJ Manguiat’s two successful treys, the Morayta-based squad gained early momentum and ended that first period with a five-point lead, 20-15.

The second quarter started with the Lady Archers four-point run to catch up with the lead of the Lady Tams, but Manguiat’s third shot beyond the arc supported the team to maintain the lead.

However, the green-and-white jerseys continued to chase the lead that compelled the match, with both teams answering each other’s baskets.

While the green-and-gold squad secured an 8-0 run to extend the lead to 10, the Taft-based cagebelles answered back with five points, ending the first half at 35-30.

During the third quarter, both teams played rock-solid defense which resulted in a successful basket with 6:35 on the clock made by La Salle.

No one has yet to gain an advantage in the match as both teams perform impressive offense after Kaputu answered back with an instant jumper.

With 12.5 seconds on the clock, the Lady Tams gained possession with a steal, but Queennie Aquino missed the opportunity to increase the lead, 46-44. 

FEU started the fourth quarter with a two-point jumper by Kaputu, but the Lady Archers scored back-to-back jump shots to force a deadlock.

Although Kaputu scored another two, the Taft-based squad drove their offense to gain the lead with a shot from downtown, 49-51.

The game was reversed during the fourth period as the Flores-led squad was the one to play catch-up with Lasalle.

Despite the lead, Shane Salvani came up clutch to tie the match and carry off a needed overtime.

FEU was still behind with the baskets of DLSU as Bea Dalisay led the Lady Archers to keep the lead.

Morayta cagebelle Salvani threw a successful trey to lengthen the match with another overtime.

During the second OT, the Lady Tams failed to secure a lead as Kaputu did not receive any help from her other teammates, suffering a tight loss.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Coach Bert Flores mentioned that they still need to focus on their upcoming match.

“Importanteng game talaga to eh, kaso nashoot nila yung three points eh. Ngayon need pa din naming magfocus. Sana may pag-asa pa, one game at a time (It's a really important game, because they shot the three points. Now we still need to focus. I hope there is still hope, one game at a time)” he said.

Coach Bert also added that the other bench player that were substituted for Kaputu to rest were not effective.

“Sobrang haba ng playing time ni Josee tapos triple pa defense sakanya kaya pinapahinga namin, kasi di naging effective yung ibang bench player na pinasok namin (Josee's playing time was too long and then her defense was tripled, so we rested her, because the other bench players we brought in were not effective),” he added.

Kaputu performed another double-double performance with 20 points and 22 rebounds, while Salavani assisted the team with a 13-point clutch in which four points were held to force the first overtime and a trey in the second.

The green-and-gold squad stands with a 3-7 win-loss record and will try to pull off a comeback against the University of the Philippines Lady Maroons on Wednesday, November 8, at the same venue.

-Leiniel A. Santos

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)