By Fibby Ann Mercado

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws late push was not enough against the Adamson University Lady Falcons (AdU), suffering a narrow 56-57 loss in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

The green-and-gold squad trailed behind the Lady Falcons early in the opening quarter, 3-13. 

Despite the setback, Victoria Pasilang and Shane Salvani scored a combination of layups and three-pointers to help FEU close the first frame with a score of 16-24.

At the start of the second quarter, Pasilang, Elaine Patio, and Amyah Espanol each added two points for the Lady Tamaraws, reducing the deficit to 22-30. 

The Morayta cagebelles utilized both their paint and perimeter offense, trying to close the gap against the San Marcelino-based squad.

Eventually, Pasilang’s two successful free throws brought the green-and-gold cagebelles within striking distance to end halftime, 30-33. 

In the third canto, the Lady Tamaraws continued to knock down their jumpers to prevent getting left behind by the Lady Falcons.

Espanol’s three shots from beyond the arc proved crucial, as the green-and-gold stuck close to Adamson, 44-49.

By the fourth frame, Maxene Dela Torre’s three-point shot brought the Lady Tamaraws within one possession behind the Lady Falcons, narrowing the score to 47-49. 

The back-and-forth affair between the two teams continued, until Pasilang’s late three-pointer brought FEU closer to the win at 56–57. 

In the final 43 seconds, Morayta’s Shemaiah Abatayo made one last attempt to score, but her shot missed, dropping the game by just one point.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, green-and-gold head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy reflected on the team’s struggle during the first quarter.

“In the first quarter, ‘di namin nasunod ‘yung plan, which was to pressure them. They were very quick, especially ‘yung guards nila, so we settled down sa half-court defense namin—which turned out to be effective (In the first quarter, we weren’t able to follow our plan, which was to pressure them. They were very quick, especially their guards, so we decided to settle into our half-court defense, which turned out to be effective)”, she said.

She then acknowledged the team’s struggles in the final minutes, particularly in securing rebounds.

"It’s a tough loss. Actually, ang naging problem talaga namin ay ‘yung rebounding, lalo na sa last three minutes. Adamson wanted it more. Siguro dahil na rin sa experience nila—mas gusto talaga nila manalo this time. Kailangan pa talaga naming mag-work sa rebounding department (Our main problem was rebounding, especially in the last three minutes. Adamson wanted it more, and their experience showed. We just need to work on our rebounding),” Coach Raiza added.

FEU was led by Espanol and Pasilang with 15 points each, followed by Abatayo with 6 markers.

Standing at a 1-2 win-loss record, the Lady Tamaraws will face the University of the Philippines next Sunday, October 12, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

(Photo by Ma. Louela Luna/FEU Advocate)