By Andrei M. Barrantes

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws ended their first day of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s 3x3 basketball tournament on a strong 21-9 and 20-17 start today, April 28, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

FEU pounded on Kacey Dela Rosa and the Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) Blue Eagles with veteran guard Shane Salvani leading the way with her 13 points and six rebounds.

While Salvani controlled the boards, Morayta’s rising big Yvette Villanueva played point forward, logging four points, five assists, and two blocks.

Their dominance on offense and defense gave them an early jump, securing the game before regulation and holding Ateneo to under double digits.

For the Blue Eagles, only two players chipped in points in Dela Rosa and Seng Calago, who scored six and three, respectively.

After the promising start, Salvani and crew managed to preserve their momentum in their second match against University of the East (UE). 

In the more tightly contested game, Villanueva and EJ Lopez chipped in seven apiece to fend off Rachel Lacayanga’s efficient 10 points and eight rebounds.

Even with Salvani only sinking one basket in ten attempts, their more well-rounded defensive lineup this time around managed to hold off UE in the closing minutes, securing a three-point cushion to go undefeated this day one.

Truly enough, Salvani credited their improved defense as the catalyst for their strong start in a post-game interview with FEU Advocate.

“Inuna lang namin ‘yung defense namin since ‘yun ‘yung kulang namin last season (We just prioritized our defense since that’s what we fell short on last season),” Salvani added.

With their captain in the previous seasons, MJ Manguiat, no longer fielded for the halfcourt tournament, the team has leaned on Salvani more to be the lead skipper.

According to the crafty guard, her lessons from yesteryears have been her anchors for leading the squad.

“Last season kasi andaming lesson na nadala ko. So dinala ko siya ngayon sa season na ito para bumawi, para rin sa teammates ko na tumutulong sa akin (Last season, I took in so many lessons. So I brought them to this season to make up for it and for our teammates who help me),” she added.

FEU will return to the same venue tomorrow, April 29, this time testing their chances against the University of the Philippines. 

- With reports from Vince Matthew Jaramilla

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)