Josee Kaputu-less Far Eastern University survived a massive comeback attempt by University of the East, 62-56, to secure its first win in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday.
The Lady Tamaraws took control early in the game, outscoring the Lady Warriors 19-5 in the second period to establish a commanding 43-21 lead at halftime.
This pivotal run saw contributions from Maxene Dela Torre, MJ Manguiat, Shane Salvani, and Rea Ong, as FEU drained 8-of-14 shots from beyond the arc in the first half. In contrast, UE struggled with their perimeter shooting, missing all 11 of its attempts.
Despite their first-half struggles, the Lady Warriors fought back in the fourth quarter, thanks to the efforts of Rachel Lacayanga, Dominique Vacalares, Kate Cruz, and Aliyah Ronquillo.
Their rally from a 32-54 deficit brought them closer, with Ronquillo’s triple and subsequent layup off a steal narrowing the gap to 54-60 with 1:04 remaining. However, this late surge proved too late.
In the final moments, Salvani’s free throws with 13.1 seconds left sealed the victory for FEU, ensuring their win despite the late push from UE.
“It feels good to be here. Ganito pala pakiramdam ng panalo. Hahanap-hanapin ko ‘yung ganitong feeling. But of course itong panalo namin it’s because of what the players did naman inside the court,” said FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy, who earned her first coaching win and saw her team improve to 1-2.
Dela Torre led the charge of the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Manguiat and Salvani produced nine and eight points, respectively, while Ong and Erica Lopez chimed in seven apiece in the breakthrough victory.
Kaputu, a Mythical team member last season, is out for the tournament after suffering a full ACL tear in her left knee during their game against National University last Saturday.
“To be honest Josee joined us the last three weeks before the UAAP so sabi ko sa mga players, sumali tayo ng three tournaments during the summer without Josee so wala na masyadong difference at adjustment but of course, Josee is the best FSA but sabi ko sa kanila it’s time for you to step up like Joann Nagma, Maxene, Shane, MJ,” shared Palmera-Dy.
The Lady Tamaraws now hold a 1-2 record and occupy sixth place in the standings.
Looking ahead, FEU will face the University of the Philippines on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, aiming to build on its recent success.
For the Lady Warriors, this loss marks their 40th consecutive defeat dating back to Season 82, dropping their record to 0-3.
Lacayanga paced UE with 19 points on 7-of-25 shooting from the field. She also grabbed eight rebounds.
Ronquillo added 11 points while Cruz and Vacalares posted eight and seven points, respectively,
Meanwhile, UE will continue its search for a first win against De La Salle University, scheduled to play at 1:30 p.m. the same day.
