By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws and Tamaraws took campaign-defining results with a 16-14 win and an 18-22 loss, respectively, against the Adamson University (AdU) Soaring Falcons in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 3x3 basketball tournaments earlier today, May 3, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The Lady Tamaraws’ offense since tipoff was consistent, as forward Yvette Villanueva led the pack with three quick markers in the first three minutes. However, the Lady Falcons returned the favor every time, keeping both sides within a one-possession game.

With the game still at a 13-13 deadlock with a minute remaining, Lorraine Apag was able to put Adamson in front with a layup, only to be answered by FEU’s Shane Salvani for another tie to force overtime.

Morayta cagebelles Villanueva and Salvani eventually rose to the occasion in the clutch, delivering a lay-in and a jumpshot, respectively, to seal the 16-14 victory and their semifinal appearance.

Villanueva tallied eight points and seven rebounds, leading both teams in the said categories, while Salvani contributed five markers and four boards.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, the standout forward mentioned how the team encouraged each other to play their best to come out with the win.

“During the overtime, sabi namin sa isa't isa, walang matatakot mapagod. Ibigay namin ‘yung best namin at lumaban po until ma-hit namin [‘yung two points]… Also, ginawa po naming motivation po ‘yung mga coaches, family, and teammates namin (During the overtime, we told each other that we shouldn’t be afraid to get tired. We should give our best and fight until we hit the two points. Also, we made our coaches, family, and teammates our motivation),” Villanueva said.

The Lady Tamaraw looked forward to the playoffs along with her team, aiming to showcase their improved form.

“Since matagal na nakalipas [nung] makasama kami sa Final Four, we're very thrilled and excited na maglaro for finals, we are ready to show the new Lady Tamaraws,” she shared.

Their men counterparts had a similar start in their later game, trailing close behind the Soaring Falcons in the first two minutes, 5-6.

Despite taking a step back with a 0-5 slump, the Tamaraws managed to persist in the seesaw affair behind forward Veejay Pre and guard Janrey Pasaol’s timely buckets, 17-17.

Unfortunately, FEU’s perimeter defense crumbled in the latter moments of the game, giving up two key shots from downtown, enough for Adamson to take the victory, 18-22.

Pre delivered 10 points and three boards, while Pasaol and Jedric Daa gave the squad four and three markers, respectively.

In the Morayta squad’s defeat, it was the San Marcelino cagers that secured their own playoff berth that time around.

With the end of the eliminations, the Tamaraws retained their Season 86 finish at sixth place, but with a worse 2-5 win-loss record from last year’s 3-4.

Meanwhile, the 4-3 Lady Tamaraws improved from a 1-6 exit and will face University of the Philippines in the Final Four tomorrow, May 4, at the same venue.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)