By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

As they continue their campaign without foreign student-athlete Josee Kaputu, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws were unable to keep up with the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers in rebounding, 65-89, absorbing their fourth blemish in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women's basketball tournament earlier today, September 25, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Being the main big woman of the team, Kaputu recorded 14 boards in her only game vs National University this season and averaged 14.5 in Season 86. Her current absence due to injury can be felt in the rebounding disparity against DLSU being 46-63, with a 12-27 offensive rebound difference.

In a post-game interview with FEU Advocate, Lady Tamaraws head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy addressed the players' need to give more effort in cleaning the glass.

"We have to double time in terms of boxing out because we're one of the smallest here in the league. Getting a rebound is [about] correct positioning, timing, and 'yung desire ng players so 'yun 'yung mine-mention namin after the game," she said.

The green-and-gold cagebelles struggled off the jump, giving up extra possessions and committing turnovers. They kept close behind the green-and-white squad through pressure defense, 8-7.

However, an 8-0 run by DLSU widened the gap to a three-possession game, 8-15.

Ball security and rebounding remained problems for the Lady Tamaraws as they ended the first frame at 10-25.

During the second canto, a triple by Morayta guard Shane Salvani in the first minute sparked more grit in FEU, being able to go basket per basket with the Taft cagebelles.

Despite continued struggles with protecting the ball and cleaning the glass, the green-and-gold squad faced a smaller lead by halftime, 31-42.

FEU had another promising showing in the third quarter, being able to cut the deficit down to a single digit after two consecutive treys by team captain MJ Manguiat, 42-49.

Unfortunately, this same shot selection eventually worked against the Lady Tams' favor as they opted to go for triples but missed their open looks, 45-57.

Still, the Morayta cagebelles took advantage of the Taft squad being in penalty to inch closer again by the end of the frame, 52-60.

To begin the fourth quarter, FEU was able to cut the lead to four, 58-62, by drawing fouls inside.

However, DLSU then countered with a massive 27-7 run, once again utilizing their superior size and shooting to completely seal the game.

Other than their fourth loss of the season, the Lady Tams also took another blow in morale as Salvani was ejected with two seconds remaining after committing an unsportsmanlike foul.

In the same interview, Coach Raiza spoke about the room for improvement in the team's shot selection.

"Maturity [is] not yet there kasi down by four kami nung third quarter and penalty 'yung La Salle [but] they were [taking] the three-point shot. Siguro puwede naming ma-add sa practice ['yung] mga situation like that," she stated.

Palmera-Dy then mentioned the importance of keeping their winning mentality ahead of their next game.

"Kailangan andun pa rin 'yung winning mentality namin. Different story na naman 'yung versus Ateneo so sabi ko sa kanila (Our winning mentality should still be there. It's already a different story versus Ateneo so I told them), 'Heads up... We have to move on and learn from our mistakes,'" the lead tactician added.

Manguiat put up the most markers for the Lady Tams with 19, while Salvani provided support with 13 points.

The Palmera-Dy-led squad will aim to go back to their winning ways against Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday, September 29, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP)