Looking to get back on track, the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws and Tamaraws notched a thrilling 19-17 overtime win and a tough 17-21 loss, respectively, against the National University (NU) Bulldogs in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 3x3 basketball tournaments earlier today, May 2, at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City.

The green-and-gold cagebelles started the day for FEU, trading baskets down low which resulted in an early 9-9 deadlock.

Fortunately, the Morayta-based squad called off a 4-0 run after an impressive head-and-shoulder move from forward Yvette Villanueva, 13-9.

However, this offensive spurt was halted after the Jhocson-based squad were able to give themselves the lead at the dying seconds of the match, 16-17.

In need of a point, guard Shane Salvani was able to send it to overtime through a game-tying layup, 17-17. 

It was a tumultuous start in overtime, as both teams were scrambling for the ball. Fortunately, Villanueva was able to find a comfortable spot to take a game-winning two, 19-17.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, guard Erica Joi Lopez shared that they kept themselves composed to execute the game-winning shot.

"'Yung time na 'yun sinabi lang namin sa isa't isa, maging composed kami at magtiwala sa isa't isa, tanggalin namin 'yung taranta, para ma-execute namin nang maayos 'yung play namin... ayun si Ate Yvette 'yung nag-last shot, 'di siya gaano kinuha ng guard, kaya tinira niya lang with confidence (That time, we told each other to be composed and trust each other, remove all the jitters we have, so we can execute the play. Later on, Yvette was not being guarded, and she shot the ball with confidence),” the guard shared.

The Morayta-based cagebelles also emphasized they used their pent-up frustration to fuel themselves.

"Maraming frustration, so dinala namin 'yung frustration na 'yun para makagawa kami ng maayos na play, offensively and defensively (There was a lot of frustration, so we brought it all in this game so we can execute our plays properly, whether it's on offense or defense)," she said.

Forward Villanueva finished the match with eight markers, five rebounds, and two blocks. Her teammate Salvani pitched in seven markers and rebounds.

On the flip side, the Tamaraws looked promising for the most part of their game as forward Veejay Pre was able to give them a cushion with his two-pointers, 17-14. 

Unfortunately, the Morayta team was stunned by the Jhocson-based squad's impenetrable defense, giving up a 7-0 run to cap off the game, 17-21.

Pre finished the game with 10 points, eight rebounds, shooting three out of seven from downtown. Meanwhile, guard Janrey Pasaol pitched in six points, five rebounds, and three assists.

Tamaraws now lost three straight games and have a 2-4 win-loss record, while Lady Tams were able to stay afloat with a 3-3 record and are tied with NU for the third place. Both FEU squads will next face Adamson University tomorrow, May 3, at the same venue.

- Marcus Isaac D.G Bandong
(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)