UAAP: Lady Tams claim first win over Lady Bulldogs since 2013

MANILA — Far Eastern University ended a 13-year losing streak against National University on Saturday, taking a hard-earned 85-81 win in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum.

Amyah Espanol fired a career-high 27 points to lift the Lady Tamaraws to their first win over the Lady Bulldogs since July 7, 2013, when they claimed a 57-50 triumph in Season 76.

The victory moved FEU to within a game of the second-running Lady Bulldogs, who dropped to 6-3.

“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,” FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy said. “This is just a testament that we can do it. It’s just that we need to work hard.”

After a tightly contested opening quarter, FEU began to pull away in the second period, building a nine-point halftime lead behind Espanol’s five three-pointers to take a 50-41 advantage.

NU, however, spoiled the Lady Tamaraws’ momentum as FEU struggled to find answers in the third quarter. The Lady Bulldogs closed the period with a 7-2 run, capped by Tin Cayabyab’s triple, to trim the deficit to just two points, 65-63, heading into the final frame.

The Lady Bulldogs carried that momentum into the fourth quarter, with Aloha Betanio knocking down back-to-back triples to give NU its first lead since the opening period at 72-67.

Both teams continued to trade baskets before Victoria Pasilang connected from beyond the arc to put FEU back in front, 78-77.

NU refused to back down, however, as Cayabyab converted a layup to reclaim the lead for the Lady Bulldogs, 81-79, with just over a minute remaining.

Espanol responded with back-to-back baskets to put FEU back on top. NU had a chance to force a tie, but Cayabyab missed a fadeaway jumper. Espanol then sealed the victory by sinking two free throws in the final eight seconds to account for the final score.

Shane Salvani backed Espanol with 19 points, seven assists, and three steals, while Erica Lopez chipped in 11 points for the Lady Tamaraws.

FEU also found its range from long distance, converting 11 of its 27 attempts from beyond the arc for an impressive 44.0 percent clip.

Meanwhile, Cielo Pagdulangan led NU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Karl Ann Pingol contributed 12 points and eight rebounds.

FEU 85 – Espanol 27, Salvani 19, Lopez 11, Pasilang 9, Patio 6, Dela Torre 6, Gavaran 4, Manguiat 3, Agcambot 0, Peje 0, Kant 0. 

NU 81 – Pagdulagan 17, Pingol 12, Solis 11, Betanio 8, Lapasaran 8, Rosano 7, Cayabyab 7, Alba 7, Villanueva 4, Alterado 0, Garcia 0. 

Quarterscores: 21-20, 50-41, 65-63, 85-81.