Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws delivered a clutch performance in the fourth quarter against University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 63-53, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 86 women’s basketball tourney this afternoon, October 8, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City. 

FEU started the match with back-to-back points, firmly holding onto the lead until halftime, 34-29. 

Despite the five point lead from the Lady Tamaraws, the Lady Warriors attempted to pull away during the third quarter, ending with a two-point lead.

After losing the lead in the fourth quarter and going down by one, player of the game Jaina Del Prado’s three-pointer with 7:37 left led the Morayta-based squad into a dominant late-game run.

Green-and-gold center Josee Kaputu stepped up in the closing minutes, securing five points on the perimeter along with an and-one play.

During the post-game interview, Head Coach Bert Flores commented on the team’s mechanism to regain composure from only having a two-point lead during the third quarter into gaining 10 in the final quarter.

“Import lang inaasahan namin eh, pero atleast 'yun, pasalamat ako si kapitan, nag step-up sya, ‘diba? Ayun, sabi ko nga, compose para level up tayo for next game (We only rely on our import, but at least, I’m thankful that Captain stepped-up, right? As I said, compose so that we are a level-ahead for our next game),” Coach Flores remarked. 

Del Prado chipped in 13 points, six rebounds and six assists while Queennie Aquino added 12 markers and three dimes and Kaputu added 13 points, five coming in the clutch.

FEU bounced-back in the third game with a 2-1 win-loss record and will attempt to add another win against University of the Philippines on Wednesday, October 11, at Adamson Gymnasium.

-Nathalia Coleen B. Favila

(Photo by Raph Bautista/FEU Advocate)