By Krizza Gabrielle Tabora

Team captain Yvette Villanueva encouraged the team to maintain their focus and strategy, leading the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws to a close win against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 64-62, during the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s basketball tournament earlier today, November 16, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

“Stick to the plan ng coaches, first huddle pa lang, focus and execute namin ‘yun, kasi ‘pag na-execute namin ‘yun, magiging maganda ‘yung resulta (Stick to the coaches’ plan, from the first huddle, focus and execute it, because if we execute it properly, the results will be better),” Villanueva emphasized.

The green-and-gold athlete ranked as the team’s top scorer with 18 points and nine rebounds.

In the opening frame, Villanueva sparked the team’s early surge, drilling a three-pointer that pushed the Morayta-based squad with a nine-point advantage, 20-11.

A two-point jumper from Shane Salvani, followed by Villanueva’s free throws, anchored FEU’s strong start to end the opening quarter, 22-13.

The second canto started out slow for the green-and-gold squad during the second frame, with the Lady Archers trimming the 14-point lead down to eight, 38-30. 

To continue their dominant run, Shemaiah Abatayo, Erica Lopez, and Villanueva contributed three points each to continue the Morayta-based team’s momentum heading into halftime, 42-35. 

Entering the third quarter, DLSU attempted to narrow the margin built on multiple triples from Lady Archer Kyla Go, cutting the lead to just five, 48-43.

Lady Tamaraws Maxene Dela Torre and Villanueva, capitalizing on Salvani’s assists, answered back with their own three-pointers, 53-43.

The green-and-white team continued to pressure the green-and-gold squad’s defense, but FEU stood firm to maintain their advantage to end the third frame, 57-52.

During the last quarter’s critical moments, FEU’s lead was cut into two as DLSU’s Tricia Mendoza delivered a three-pointer, along with two successful free throws from Paulina Anastacio.

However, with only 20 seconds left on the clock, the Palmera-Dy-led team tightened their defenses to deny La Salle any chances to go into overtime, ending the game with a close win, 64-62.

During the post-game conference, head coach Raiza emphasized the importance of this win to draw them closer to a spot in the Final Four.

“We really have to win this game for us to be able to have a chance in the final four spot. At least playoffs for the final four spot, we’ll take that. Sabi ko sa kanila (I told them), this is our last chance, don’t waste this opportunity,” she stated.

Meanwhile, Villanueva also explained that the team went into the game with a ‘no-excuses’ mindset to turn their momentum around and end their three-game losing streak.

“Sabi nga ni Coach Raiza sa amin, ‘no excuses, dive for the ball.’ Ang plano lang namin ay sumunod sa coaches’ plan para mas maging maganda results namin (As Coach Raiza told us, ‘no excuses, dive for the ball.’ Our only plan is to follow the coaches to produce better results),” the athlete said.

Salvani followed behind Villanueva with 12 points and three rebounds, while Pasilang contributed 11 markers and nine boards.

Currently ranking fourth in the standings with a 5-7 win-loss card, FEU looks to strengthen their push for a Final Four berth as they go against University of the East at the same venue on Saturday, November 22. 

(Photo courtesy of The UAAP Media Team)