By Fibby Ann Mercado

Being the sole double-digit scorer, Yvette Villanueva spearheaded the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws to a win against the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 79-75, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s basketball tournament earlier tonight, October 26, at the University of Santo Tomas Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.

Villanueva posted a season-high of 23 markers and eight rebounds to pave the way for FEU’s first win in the second round.

In the post-game conference, the green-and-gold team captain emphasized how loosening up has made her more confident to score highly.

“Sa ngayon, tina-try ko lang maging loose at mag-enjoy… Siguro kaya ako naka-score ng ganito, kasi relaxed lang ako at dahil din sa tulong ng teammates ko… Kaya thankful din ako sa kanila, at siyempre, sa coaches namin (Right now, I am just trying to stay loose and enjoy the game… Maybe that is why I was able to score like this—I stayed relaxed, and of course, with the help of my teammates… So I’m really thankful for them, and of course, for our coaches too),” Villanueva shared.

In the opening quarter, FEU struggled to convert their offense which led to a nine-point gap, 11-19.

Regrouping in the second frame, Manguiat’s treys tied the game at 29-all before Villanueva’s jumper gave the Morayta-based cagebelles the lead, 31-29. 

Momentum fully swung toward the green-and-gold side to close the first half courtesy of Villanueva’s three-pointers, 41-29.

FEU remained firm in their defense in the third canto, with Villanueva and Shemaiah Abatayo anchoring both ends of the court. 

Maxene Dela Torre and Elaine Patio added key baskets that extended the cushion to 61-47 late in the period, as the Raiza Palmera-Dy-led squad maintained a comfortable double-digit lead entering the final frame.

Despite UP trimming the deficit down to just two points in the final minute, FEU’s composure proved crucial—Pasilang’s free throws, followed by clutch conversions from Shane Salvani, Villanueva, and Amyah Espanol, sealed the deal for the Morayta squad, 79-75.

Villanueva also credited their opening victory to her teammates and head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy.

“‘Yun nga po, pinaghahandaan namin ‘to araw-araw sa training, pinaghihirapan talaga namin. I’m very thankful kay Coach Raiza kasi sa pasensiya niya sa amin. Alam ko po na this second round, mahirap talaga kasi lahat ng kalaban mo, makikita na nila ‘yung plays mo either live or sa recorded video (That is what we really prepare for every day in training — we work hard for this. I am very thankful to Coach Raiza for her patience with us. I know this second round will be tough since all our opponents can already study our plays, whether live or through recorded videos),” Villanueva said.

Following Villanueva’s 23-point outing, Manguiat chipped in nine markers while Salvani and Pasilang chipped in 8 points apiece.

With this win, the Lady Tamaraws begin round two on a high note and continue to strengthen their bid for a Final Four spot.

Now sitting at a 4-3 win-loss card, the Morayta-based team is set to face Ateneo de Manila University on Wednesday, October 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

(Photo courtesy of the UAAP Media Team)