By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora
Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws came up short against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 80-82, during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s basketball tournament earlier today, November 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Lady Tamaraws delivered a dominant opening performance during the first quarter with a Victoria Pasilang three-pointer and jump shot, 15-8.
EJ Lopez led the offense for FEU as she quickly replicated Pasilang’s three-point shot, followed by a jumper and another trey to give the Morayta-based squad the upperhand, 35-15.
However, FEU slowly lost control of their 20-point lead during the second frame after UP’s Blessing Francis and Louna Ozar led the offense with several layups, 49-39.
Despite the green-and-gold squad’s defensive efforts, their lead was eventually trimmed down as they struggled to contain the maroon-and-white squad’s offensive push, 51-49.
After halftime, Amyah Espanol, Jhoanna Ellorimo, and Pasilang delivered back-to-back buckets to extend the lead, 62-58.
During the final quarter, both teams traded points until the Lady Tamaraws failed to subdue Fighting Maroon Ozar’s three-pointer and several layups, 70-67.
Despite Espanol and Pasilang’s efforts to secure the upperhand, FEU eventually faltered just two points behind, 80-82.
Pasilang delivered 30 points for the Lady Tamaraws, while Espanol added 17 markers.
With the elimination round nearing its end, the Morayta-based team will look to secure a Final Four berth as they face National University on November 22 at the same venue.
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)