By Kristel Satumbaga
Game Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
12 noon – UST vs FEU
Far Eastern University put on crucial defensive stops to turn back University of Santo Tomas 48-46 Wednesday to forge a rubber match for the remaining finals berth in UAAP season 82 women’s basketball at the Mall of Asia Arena.
FEU’s Fatima Quiapo tries to drive past against UST’s Ruby Portillo during the UAAP season 82 women’s basketball semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena. (UAAP Images)
The Lady Tamaraws held the Tigresses to only three points in the last five minutes to turn a 43-42 deficit to victory that forged a rubber match for the remaining finals berth.
Fatima Quiapo pumped in a career-high 18 points, 13 rebounds and four steals for FEU, which battled UST through six deadlocks and two lead changes.
Val Mamaril contributed nine points and five boards, Choy Buhayan chipped in eight points, and Clare Castro posted eight points and 15 rebounds.
“Nakuha sa tiyaga,” said FEU coach Bert Flores. “Alam namin kasi na mas matangkad sila, pero na-control namin yung boards.”
The Lady Tamaraws outmuscled the Tigresses, 55-41, while holding UST to its lowest point production in the season.
Flores said their graduating players motivated them most.
“Walo kasi yung graduating players ko. Sabi ko sa kanila, ‘Ano, gusto nyo bang mag-iyakan ngayon o maka-isang laro pa?” he said.
The knockout match will be on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum where the winner faces unbeaten National University in the best-of-three finals.
Source: Manila Bulletin
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