Games Sunday
(Mall of Asia Arena)
7:30 a.m. – NU vs UST (16U)
9:30 a.m. – Adamson vs Ateneo (16U)
11:30 a.m. – Adamson vs Ateneo (women’s)
1:30 p.m. – Adamson vs Ateneo (men’s)
4:30 p.m. – NU vs UST (men’s)
7 p.m. – NU vs UST (women’s)
By MARK REY MONTEJO
Far Eastern University leaned on its third-quarter onslaught to trounce University of the East, 70-53, and remain in the Final Four race of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday, Nov. 22.
Fresh from a gritty 64-62 win over La Salle, the Lady Tamaraws kept the momentum going as they stormed to a 35-21 halftime cushion before answering the Lady Warriors’ third-quarter assault with their own run to restore order, posting
a 54-39 lead.
They were never in trouble after that as they hiked their record to 6-7, tying Adamson for fourth.
It was another disappointing and forgettable season for the Lady Warriors as they ended their campaign winless – they lost all their 14 games.
Overall, it was UE’s 24th straight loss since the first round of Season 87.
The Morayta-based squad is now in a must-win scenario and its last match would be a daunting one as it battles unblemished University of Santo Tomas (12-0) this Wednesday, Nov. 26, at the same venue.
The Lady Falcons, on the other hand, tangle with semis-bound Ateneo Blue Eagles (8-4) on Sunday, Nov. 23.
“Alam nila na coming into this game, we have to win this game kasi it’s a must-win game,” said FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy said.
“By winning this game, tied kami with Adamson. We have one more game left against UST, and Adamson as well one game left tomorrow, kaya crucial itong final stretch,” he added.
Amyah steadied FEU’s ship after finishing with 21 points, six rebounds, one assist, and two while Shem Abatayo flirted with a double-double off 10 points and nine assists on top of four rebounds, and three steals.
Rachel Lacayanga starred with 15 points along with one assist, eight rebounds, and three steals, while Syvil Onate and Kezza Buscar chipped in 11 points each in a losing cause as the Lady Warriors concluded their run as winless in the maiden stint of coach Ian Valdez.
Meanwhile in the 16U division, UE pulled off a 98-90 double overtime win over FEU-Diliman to likewise remain in semis hunt.
The Junior Warriors kept their goal of returning to the championship after hiking their card to 8-6, just a game behind Adamson (8-5), which is now sitting at fourth spot.
And UE’s chances would be bigger if Ateneo manages to pull a stunner against Adamson on Sunday.
If that happens, the Junior Red Warriors and the Baby Falcons will duke out for a playoff for the No. 4 spot.
Zion Aguilar led UE with 30 points, nine rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, while Goodluck Okebata poured in 23 points, 16 rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Earlier, the seventh-placed University of the Philippines Integrated School (2-12)wrapped up its campaign with an 86-77 triumph over cellar-dweller De La Salle Zobel (0-14).
The Scores:
FEU (70) – Espanol 21, Abatayo 10, Salvani 9, Garavan 7, Manguiat 6, Villanueva 6, Dela Torre 4, Nagma 3, Patio 2, Pasilang 2, Lopez 0, Ong 0, Agcambot 0, Casais 0.
UE (53) – Lacayanga 15, Onate 11, Buscar 11, Dalguntas 5, Ronquillo 5, Gulin 3, Delig 3, Lumibao 0, Yanez 0, Trinidad 0, Lituania 0, Ramos 0, Solomon 0, Salise 0, Gomez 0.
Quarters: 17-12, 35-21, 54-41, 70-53.
