The FEU Lady Tamaraws opened their UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball campaign on a winning note, holding off the La Salle Lady Archers, 76‑71, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
FEU kept La Salle within striking distance for most of the game before making its move in the final minutes.
With the Lady Tamaraws holding a 69‑65 lead, Victoria Pasilang, Amyah Español, and Elaine Patio combined for a 7‑2 run to stretch the advantage to 76‑67 with 1:12 remaining. The Lady Archers managed just four more points in the closing minutes, allowing FEU to secure the victory.
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Español nearly recorded a triple‑double in her FEU debut, finishing with 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 steals in 31 minutes and 29 seconds. Pasilang, her fellow 3×3 silver medalist at the 20th Asian Games, added 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists.
MJ Manguiat also made an impact for the Lady Tamaraws with 17 points, four assists, and four steals, while Patio finished with 12 points.
Despite the victory, FEU head coach Raiza Palmera‑Dy said the team still has plenty to improve on.
“I’m not surprised with the way these two (Español and Pasilang) played, but as I said, our standards were not yet there. We are happy, but we are not contented in this game,” said Palmera‑Dy.
For the Lady Archers, Kyla Go paced the team with 19 points, although 14 came from the free‑throw line. She shot 2‑of‑12 from the field but remained perfect from the charity stripe.
UAAP debutant Favour Ojo also made her presence felt with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 2 steals.
The Lady Tamaraws will next face the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday, October 4, at 12:00 p.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Earlier that day at 10:00 a.m., the Lady Archers will look for their first win against the UE Lady Red Warriors.
