By Dwyane Harry L. Cabrera

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw MJ Manguiat delivered clutch triples to edge out the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 73-72, recording their first victory in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s basketball tourney earlier today, October 1, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Morayta-based guard delivered two treys in the final minute of the game, one to tie and one to take the lead for the win, leaving just four seconds on the clock.

In an interview with FEU Advocate, FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy commended Manguiat’s drive in always trying to improve her play.

“Luckily, she was open and she was really practicing that shot kahit after ng practice namin, nag-e-extra drill siya and extra shooting siya (Even after practice, she still stays on the court hitting extra drills and shooting),” she said.

The Lady Tamaraws’ early lead, built on five of eight free throws, quickly faded as the Lady Archers responded with a quick three-pointer and midrange shots, 7-12.

The Morayta-based squad surged back in time with an 8-0 blitz composed of jumpers and one shot beyond the arc, only to be answered with a triple and midrange shot from the Taft cagebelles, 15-18.

Despite FEU’s efforts, they found themselves struggling to contain DLSU in the second quarter, going down nine points, 21-30.

The green-and-gold squad crawled their way back firing at all angles, registering 15 points all from three-point shots which shrank the lead to one point, 42-43.

In the third canto, the Lady Tamaraws and Lady Archers went back and forth, trading baskets until the game reached a 51-all deadlock.

FEU guard Elaine Patio then took matters into her own hands, exhibiting a 4-0 solo run from a layup and free throws to end the quarter with a 55-51 advantage.

Down to the final frame, Victoria Pasilang stepped up to continue keeping up with DLSU, 61-58.

Both teams were fueled with formidable form and determination as they matched each other shot for shot to reach an all-67 standstill.

The Taft-based squad then capitalized on three of four free throws until Manguiat made her first clutch trey, launching from the corner to tie the game at 70-all.

Nofisat Jimoh put the Archers back on top with a midrange jumper, but Manguiat answered with her final clutch three-point shot, 73-72.

Highlighting the factors behind their first win, Coach Raiza added that their defense played a key role, improving from their shaky defense against defending champions National University last September 27. 

“‘Yung defense namin last game was not ideal for us… At the same time, hindi ko nakita ‘yung pina-practice namin for weeks. So nag-viewing kami, pinakita ko sa kanila ‘yung ginagawa nila sa court at… sa practice namin (Our defense last game was not optimal… Also, I did not see what we practiced for weeks. So we did a viewing, I showed them what we were doing at practice),” the lead tactician shared.

Manguiat scored 16 markers after hitting four of five treys, with Amyah Espanol on her back tallying 14 points, five rebounds, and two steals. Shemaiah Abatayo was the last in double digits with 12 markers, four boards, and four assists.

The Lady Tamaraws now have a 1-1 win-loss record and will look to improve their standing against Adamson University on Sunday, October 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by James Neil Tamayo/FEU Advocate)