By Angel Joyce C. Basa

Far Eastern University (FEU) head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy lamented the Lady Tamaraws’ lack of aggression following a 66-104 defeat against the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women's basketball tournament last night, October 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. 

“Nakulangan ako sa aggressiveness ng girls kanina. Mataas ‘yung goal namin for this season, pero hindi siya magiging madali, definitely (I was dissatisfied with the girls’ aggressiveness today. Our goal is high for this season, but it is definitely not gonna be easy),” she said in an interview with FEU Advocate.

The Lady Tamaraws were able to get a stable head start during the first quarter with the help of Amyah Espanol and Elaine Patio’s combined forces for the first seven points, 7-7.

In the second frame, green-and-gold cagebelle Ej Lopez set off a triple in an attempt to keep within distance of UST, 25-35.

However, FEU’s offensive efforts proved no good as the gap eventually doubled by the end of the first half, 37-57.

In the second half, FEU remained no less than 20 points behind Golden Tigresses Karylle Sierba and Gin Relliquette’s combined 19 markers, ultimately resulting in a 66-104 loss. 

Throughout the game, the Morayta-based squad struggled due to the 33-point outbreak of UST in the first quarter, followed by consistent 20-pointers in the succeeding cantos.

In addition to the shortcomings, Palmera-Dy also mentioned how she urged the team to avoid being complacent for the remaining games. 

“Sabi ko nga sa kanila (as I’ve told them), good thing that it’s against UST pa (only), because we can't afford to lose any other games against any other team,” the lead tactician shared.

Despite the brutal loss, rookie Espanol attained 18 points, nine rebounds, and three steals to back the green-and-gold cagebelles’ offensive statistics, while MJ Manguiat also chipped in 11 points and two assists.

The Morayta-based team is now sitting at a 2-3 win-loss record and are set to face University of the East on Sunday, October 19, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo by Aleena Louise Abad/FEU Advocate)