MANILA – Far Eastern University finally conquered powerhouse National University after 13 years in the UAAP women’s basketball.
Starring Amyah Espanol, the Lady Tamaraws shocked the Lady Bulldogs, 85-81, Saturday at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
Espanol scored 27 points, including six in the final minute, to lead FEU to its fifth win in nine games.
The last time FEU beat NU (57-50) was in Season 76 on July 7, 2013.
Despite the loss, NU remained in second place at 6-3 behind unbeaten leader University of Santo Tomas (8-0).
After Espanol fired five triples to give FEU a 50-41 lead at halftime, NU rallied to move within 63-65, heading into the fourth quarter.
Aloha Betanio sank two consecutive triples while Tin Cayabyab scored on a layup to put the Lady Bulldogs ahead, 81-79, a minute remaining.
Espanol scored back-to-back baskets, watched Cayabyab miss a jumper, then sank two free throws to seal the win.
“We know that from the past, the second round isn’t really our strength. We just went in with a focus that no matter what, we’re going to hold on to what we’ve built in the first half,” Espanol, who also had four rebounds and two steals, said.
“We’ve had so many lessons this season. I think it’s finally time for us to mature and get to the place where NU is.”
Shane Salvani chipped in 19 points, seven assists, and three steals, followed by Erica Lopez with 11 points.
“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 (I always tell the players that our standard should be the teams in the top four or even the top-tier squads like UST and NU. That is where our goal lies),” FEU head coach Raiza 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 (the) game plan worked well today.”
Cielo Pagdulangan led NU with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists, while Karl Ann Pingol had 12 points and eight rebounds.
In the other game, Ateneo de Manila University drubbed Adamson University, 70-52, to improve to 4-5.
The Blue Eagles also avenged their 70-79 loss to the Lady Falcons in the first round. (Jean Malanum/PNA)
