By Fibby Ann Mercado
Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws struggled to keep up with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses, 42-88, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s basketball tournament earlier today, October 14, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
In the opening quarter, the green-and-gold squad started slowly, falling behind the Growling Tigresses’ offense, 2-9.
Despite Amyah Espanol and Marthe Kant helping to cut the deficit, the Morayta-based squad closed the quarter down, 10-25.
Early in the second frame, FEU continued to struggle against UST’s offensive surge, trailing 10-33 before MJ Manguiat sank three consecutive free throws to trim the gap, 13-33.
Erica Joi Lopez, Lorelie Gavaran, and Espanol chipped in baskets for the Lady Tamaraws, but UST sustained its scoring run by a 21-point lead into halftime, 22-43.
In the third quarter, Gavaran and Shane Salvani scored two-pointers and free throws for FEU’s tally, 29-51. However, the España-based team continued its offensive push, extending its lead until the end of the quarter, 33-57.
The Morayta-based squad continued to falter in the fourth frame before Maxene Dela Torre drew a foul and converted free throws, attempting to narrow the gap, 38-68.
Lady Tamaraws Elaine Patio and Gavaran also pitched in baskets for the green-and-gold squad, but eventually conceded to UST’s control, suffering a 42-88 loss.
Espanol paced the Lady Tamaraws with nine points, followed by Gavaran and Salvani hooping six and five markers, respectively.
Holding a 2-2 win-loss record, the Lady Tamaraws will look to bounce back against National University on Sunday, October 18, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.
(Photo by Rian Balagtas/FEU Advocate)