By Vince Matthew Jaramilla

Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraw team captain MJ Manguiat spearheaded their season sweep of the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 57-51, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 87 women's basketball tournament earlier today, November 3, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila City.

Manguiat was the sole double-digit scorer of the Lady Tams with 22 markers in five triples.

In the post-game conference, the green-and-gold gunner emphasized the team's goal to improve their record from last season.

"Last season, nasa seventh place po kami, so ang goal po namin is maitaas pa 'yung standing namin (Last season, we were at seventh place, so our goal is to have a higher standing)," she said.

Head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy then mentioned her belief in Manguiat to perform at this caliber.

"Itong crucial moments na 'to, ito 'yung kailangan na may nagse-step up talaga. [Si] MJ, 22 points, hindi na naman ako na-shock na kaya niyang gawin 'to (In these crucial moments, this is where someone has to step up. MJ had 22 points, I wasn’t shocked that she was able to do that)," the lead tactician stated.

The Morayta cagers failed to separate early due to shooting struggles, only getting their first field goal with 7:01 left in the first quarter off a Shane Salvani lay, 3-2.

Midway through the frame, the match remained close at 5-5 which caused UE to sue for time. Off the break, FEU suffered a 2-7 slump, forcing them to burn a timeout of their own with three minutes remaining, 7-12.

Despite the red-and-white squad shooting the lights out from deep after the pause, the green-and-gold team went back-and-forth with them to end the first canto with a one-possession game, 15-18.

To start the second frame, Lady Tams captain Manguiat sank a quick left wing triple to tie the match.

FEU got into the penalty early with 6:11 still left in the quarter. Fortunately, their continued rim pressure, Manguiat's two more treys, and UE's errors put them ahead with three minutes left, 28-22.

However, the half did not end without a late push from the Recto-based squad, resulting in another one-possession game, 31-29.

A dry spell fell over the two teams to kick off the third canto, but the Lady Tamaraws forced their way to the charity stripe to score, 35-29.

The first field goal of the second half only came when the time read 4:48 through a drive by green-and-gold big Joann Nagma to extend their lead to eight.

FEU's momentum caused them to heat up from beyond the arc as gunners Manguiat and EJ Lopez shot a triple each to achieve a double-digit lead and force a UE timeout, 45-32.

The lead remained at double digits at the end of the third quarter, 47-36.

In the final frame, the Lady Warriors threatened the Lady Tams' advantage with a huge 11-2 run to cut the lead, 49-47, with two minutes remaining.

Fortunately, Lopez's clutch trey and Manguiat's and-one opportunity off a floater created enough cushion to secure the victory, 57-51.

Coming off the hard-fought win with their season-high 31 turnovers, Manguiat highlighted their goal to work on their issues in training.

"Sisimulan po namin sa training. Mas magiging competitive pa po kami (We'll start in our training. We will be more competitive)," she said.

The Lady Tamaraws will try to build a hot streak as they face the De La Salle University on Wednesday, November 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

(Photo by Karch Rafael/FEU Advocate)