UP snaps their five-game slide, dominates FEU

University of the Philippines snapped their five-game losing streak after dominating Far Eastern University, 76-61, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament, November 16, Saturday, at the Filoil Eco Oil Arena in San Juan.

It was a wire-to-wire win by the Fighting Maroons who got back to the win column in their penultimate game of the season.

UP limited FEU’s scoring to less than 20 every quarter, outscoring them in each one.

Their lead ballooned to 21 with 04:33 left in the third period, 55-34, after a layup from Alex Mendoza–and-one–plus a free throw for Kaye Pesquera to reach 55.

Come the fourth quarter, FEU came within 11, 50-61, with 08:56, after an MJ Manguiat free throw. However, Camille Nolasco quickly retaliated with a quick basket on the other end.

State-U forced the FEU Tamaraws to commit 20 turnovers, 13 of which came from steals. UP also capitalized on those turnovers, converting them to 23 points.

The Maroons also had more bench points than FEU, with 42 versus the latter’s 20.

“We’re really going into the next games like we have nothing to lose,” Mendoza said after the game, when asked about their outlook on their remaining matches. “It’s just a learning experience for us now, so we want to end up really really strong, and maintain our togetherness.”

Louna Ozar showcased her prowess, tallying a near triple-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and a steal.

Mendoza contributed 11 points, two rebounds, one assist, and a block, while Pesquera chipped in 10 points, one rebound, one assist, and a steal. Erika Jimenez added nine points, two rebounds, one assists, and two steals.

For the Tamaraws, Shane Salvani led with 21 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Maxene Dela Torre contributed 12 points, four rebounds, one assist, and a steal.

The UP Fighting Maroons (4-9), although out of Final Four contention, look to finish their campaign strong against the UE Lady Warriors (1-12) on Saturday, November 23, 4PM, at the Filoil Eco Oil Arena in San Juan.

Meanwhile, the FEU Lady Tamaraws (3-10) who were dealt their third consecutive loss, aim to bounce back and deny the NU Lady Bulldogs (13-0) an elimination round sweep and an outright Finals spot at 10:00 AM on the same date and venue.

The Scores:

UP 76 – Ozar 14, Mendoza 11, Pesquera 10, Jimenez 9, Lozada 8, Nolasco 5, Tapawan 4, Bariquit 4, Maw 4, Sauz 3, Vingno 2, Quinquinio 2, Barba 0, Solitario 0.

FEU 61 – Salvani 21, Dela Torre 12, Pasilang 7, Villanueva 7, Manguiat 4, Lopez 2, Ong 2, Paras 2, Nagma 2, Gavaran 2.

Quarterscores: 18-14. 41-29, 61-45, 76-61.