Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws finally broke through against National University after 13 years, holding off the Lady Bulldogs, 85-81, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Amyah Espanol delivered a career-best 27 points, including six in the final minute, as the Lady Tamaraws secured their fifth victory in nine games and moved closer to NU in the standings.
FEU improved to 5-4, just one game behind the second-place Lady Bulldogs, who fell to 6-3. Unbeaten University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses remained atop the standings at 8-0.
The victory was FEU’s first against NU since July 7, 2013, when the Lady Tamaraws prevailed, 57-50, in Season 76.
FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy said the result proved her team could compete with the league’s leading programs despite its perceived disadvantages.
“Lagi ko nga sinasabi sa players na our standard should be kung sino ‘yung nasa top four, or even the top teams like UST and NU. Nandoon ‘yung goal namin,” Palmera-Dy said. “This is just a testament that we can do it. It’s just that we need to work hard … We don’t have the height and we don’t have the most talented team.”
“For us, ‘yung game plan worked well today,” she added.
Espanol spearheaded FEU’s first-half charge, draining five three-pointers as the Lady Tamaraws built a 50-41 cushion at halftime.
NU fought back in the third quarter, limiting FEU’s scoring opportunities before closing the period with a 7-2 run capped by Tin Cayabyab’s triple. The rally cut the deficit to 65-63 entering the final 10 minutes.
The Lady Bulldogs continued their surge in the fourth, with Aloha Betanio hitting consecutive three-pointers to give NU a 72-67 advantage—its first lead since the opening period.
FEU answered through Victoria Pasilang, whose three-pointer restored the Lady Tamaraws’ lead at 78-77.
Cayabyab briefly put NU ahead again, converting a layup for an 81-79 edge with just over a minute remaining. Espanol then took charge, scoring on consecutive possessions to put FEU back in front.
NU had an opportunity to level the score, but Cayabyab missed a fadeaway jumper. Espanol subsequently converted two free throws in the final eight seconds to seal the victory.
The FEU standout also collected four rebounds and two steals, while Shane Salvani added 19 points, seven assists and three steals. Erica Lopez contributed 11 points.
The Lady Tamaraws’ perimeter shooting proved crucial, as they converted 11 of 27 attempts from beyond the arc for a 44-percent clip.
Cielo Pagdulangan paced NU with 17 points, three rebounds and three assists, while Karl Ann Pingol finished with 12 points and eight rebounds. (Adrian Co)
