UAAP: Pasilang, Espanol lead FEU past UE to strengthen hold on third seed

Far Eastern University’s Victoria Pasilang against University of the East in UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball. UAAP Media.MANILA — Far Eastern University turned back University of the East, 81-63, to maintain its hold on third place in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The Lady Tamaraws built on their historic 85-81 victory over powerhouse NU Lady Bulldogs last Saturday, improving their record to 6-4.

“I think yung nasa gameplan namin and coming into this game, yung mentality was to control our standings because we know how tight it is,” said FEU head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy.

“Kung nasaan kami ngayon, it’s because of our defense and we rely on our defense,” she added.

The Lady Tamaraws came out firing, racing to a 32-7 lead in the first quarter before heading into the second period with a commanding 20-point advantage.

Despite the early deficit, the Lady Warriors refused to back down, with Rachel Lacayanga leading the charge to keep UE within striking distance.

UE managed to trim the deficit to 13 points in the fourth quarter before Victoria Pasilang and Amyah Espanol delivered timely baskets to restore FEU’s comfortable cushion.

The Lady Tamaraws maintained their composure down the stretch to secure the convincing victory.

“Sabi nga ni Coach Raiza, wag magpakampante kasi galing sila sa panalo. And we worked on our defense kasi sabi ni Coach Raiza na defense ang nagpapanalo namin. Don’t look at your score, yun po yung sinasabi niya,” said Pasilang.

Pasilang led all scorers with 21 points, while Espanol posted a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Maxene Dela Torre chipped in 14 points, while Erica Lopez added 11.

The Lady Tamaraws will look to score another upset when they take on defending champion UST Growling Tigresses on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.

UE, meanwhile, fell to 1-8, tying De La Salle University for seventh place after previously defeating the Green Archers in its last outing.

Lacayanga paced the Lady Warriors with 20 points, seven rebounds, and seven steals, while Sy Oñate contributed 13 points.

The Lady Warriors will look to bounce back against the Adamson Lady Falcons on Saturday at 10 a.m. at the same venue.

FEU 81 — Pasilang 21, Espanol 17, Dela Torre 14, Lopez 11, Patio 9, Manguiat 2, Ellorimo 2, Kant 2, Gavaran 2, Salvani 1, Escarez 0, Ong 0, Agcambot 0, Quinte 0, Peje 0.

UE 63 — Lacayanga 20, Oñate 13, Lumibao 8, Vacalares 7, Buscar 7, Ronquillo 5, Ramos 3, Dublar 0, Gutierrez 0, Cruz 0, Dalguntas 0, Sajol 0, Guillim 0, Aycardo 0.

Quarterscores: 32-12, 47-31, 66-51, 81-63.