THE ATENEO Lady Eagles defeated the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 54-39, on Wednesday, October 12 at the Filoil Flying V Arena in San Juan.
The Katipunan-based squad used a strong fourth quarter to break the game wide open, as they outscored the Lady Tamaraws (20-11) in the final period.
The game started out slowly as both teams finished the opening quarter with single digit totals. The Lady Eagles raced out to an early 5-0 lead through a triple from the top of the key by Binky Uy De Ong and a midrange jumper by Akiko Tomita. FEU came back with a 4-0 run to cut the deficit to one. Go then scored three straight points as the first quarter ended in favor of the blue side (8-4).
In the second quarter, the Lady Eagles were able to go on a 7-2 run to extend their lead to 12. Nicole Cancio capped off the run with a bank shot, making the score (20-8), and forced FEU to call a timeout with 2:42 remaining on the clock. The Lady Tamaraws then pieced together an 8-0 run before Hazelle Yam was able to score a layup as the time expired. Despite the late quarter collapse, the Lady Eagles still led at the half (22-16).
Gerner began the second half on a solo 4-0 run to boost the Tamaraw morale. They then went on to cut the lead down to one with 5:37 left in the third quarter (25-24). The Lady Eagles countered by going on a 7-0 run, which was completed by two charities by Melissa Newsome. FEU was able to score four straight points before Go made a runner over two defenders, giving Ateneo a six-point lead heading into the final quarter (34-28).
A 7-2 run by Go and point guard Alyssa Villamor extended the Ateneo lead to 11 (41-30) before FEU could call a timeout at the 8:03 mark. After the interval, The Lady Eagles continued to pour on the points as baskets by Go, Yam, and Uy De Ong gave Ateneo a massive 15 point lead with 3:44 left in the game. Two free throws by Katrina Guytingco gave the Blue and White their largest lead at 52-34. Point guard Boom Moslares sank the final points of the match with two charities of her own.
Jollina Go notched a season-high for the Lady Eagles as she finished with 19 points. Point guard Hazel Yam came in second with seven points, five assists, and two steals.
FEU Center Angelica Gerner dominated the middle scoring with 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, eight of which were on the offensive glass.
Although Ateneo was outdone on the boards (37-54), highlighted by the 6-23 difference in offensive rebounds, the Lady Eagles were able to hold the Lady Tams to 22.86% (16/70) from the field.
After the game, Ateneo Coach John Flores said the result was all because of the team’s effort especially on the defensive end. “There were times we weren’t in sync, but we made up for it because of our scrappiness and the hustle we displayed today. That spelled the difference.” He continued saying, “It was the defense that really won the game for us.”
Next on the schedule for the Lady Eagles is the match against the undefeated NU Lady Bulldogs on Saturday, October 15, at 8AM in the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Quarter Scores (Ateneo-FEU): 8-4, 22-16, 34-28, 54-39
Box Scores:
Ateneo: Go- 19, Yam- 7, Uy De Ong- 5, Villamor- 5, Tomita- 5, Deacon- 4, Cancio- 3, Guytingco- 2, Newsome- 2, Moslares- 2
FEU: Gerner- 13, Capua- 7, Arellado- 4, Ventura- 4, Jumuad- 4, Ouano- 3, Balleser- 2, Okunlola- 2
