Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws aim for redemption next season following a blowout loss against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 58-86, in their final game in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women’s basketball tourney earlier today, November 23, at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City. 

In a post game interview with FEU Advocate, team captain MJ Manguiat hints at a newly improved slate next season.

“Kulang pa. Alam din naming may maibubuga pa naman kami. ‘Yun ‘yung paghihirapan namin (We’re still lacking. We know we still have more to give. That’s what we’ll work on) after this season. To the other teams, I just want to say get ready for us,” she said.

The cagebelles were off to a sluggish start as they suffered a 19-point deficit by the end of the first quarter, 10-29.

By the start of the second canto, the Morayta-based squad shifted to a more aggressive approach to keep up with the Jhocson team’s physicality.

Shortly after, Lady Tam Victoria Pasilang and Manguiat spearheaded a collective 12 points in an attempt to minimize the gap, 24-35. 

Unfortunately, the Tams’ treys were not connecting which slowly cost them their chances at tying the scores.

It was not long until NU caught up on the green-and-gold squad’s tactics as they took advantage of their plays in the paint.

Kept afloat through free throws, FEU drew a number of fouls to their advantage.

However, pressure eventually caught up as their other granted free throws started to miss.

Scrambled as ever, the Tamaraws inherently faced a downward spiral toward the last frame as they absorbed a 28-point deficit loss.

With her head up high, Lady Tams assistant coach Jasmine Yam remained optimistic for their performance throughout the season. 

“This year, aminado naman kami na an’daming mga bala namin na wala, especially Josee Kaputu; [na]-ACL. Pero okay lang, kasi lahat ng mga lineup namin nag-improve. Next year talaga, we believe na nag-mature ‘yung team, nandiyan na rin ‘yung recruits (This year, we admit that most of our bullets are out, especially Josee Kaputu due to an ACL [injury]. But that’s okay, because all of our lineups improved. Next year, we believe the team has matured, and the recruits will be there),” she mentioned.

Yam also shared her sentiments toward the team despite a tough run.

“As a coach, very important ‘yung may rapport ka sa team. If wala kang ganu’n, wala ring effect ‘yung coaching (As a coach, rapport with the team is very important. If there’s no rapport, there’s no point in coaching). To the team, whatever happens through thick and thin, dapat talaga walang magbibitaw at sama-sama sa lahat (we should always hang on and be together in everything),” she emphasized.  

Pasilang and Manguiat displayed valiant efforts as the top scorers, stamping 18 and 15 points, respectively.

The Lady Tamaraws concluded their UAAP 87 stint with a 3-11 win-loss record, the same as last season.

-Joshua Kyle Beltran

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)