UP repulses FEU, rises to share of 4th

University of the Philippines reclaimed its winning ways after fending off Far Eastern University, 82-77, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday, September 22, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The win improved the Fighting Maroons’ record to a 2-2 slate, putting them tied with Ateneo de Manila University for the fourth spot in the standings.

"We're happy that we won in the end. I liked how we won this game because I felt the players had a more calm demeanor during that endgame," said Fighting Maroons head coach Paul Ramos.

"As the season goes, it's a process that we have to really improve on a lot of the facets of our game," he added.

With Favour Onoh sidelined for the entirety of the season due a torn ACL, Achrissa Maw emerged as a key contributor for UP with a standout 25-point performance on 10-of-13 shooting from the field.

FEU’s Shane Salvani delivered back-to-back baskets, forcing the score into a 75-deadlock. Maw led the charge for the Fighting Maroons, sinking two free throws and a crucial layup that supplied the team a four-point cushion with 35.7 seconds left on the clock. 

MJ Manguiat refused to make the steam dissipate for the Tamaraws, trimming the deficit to three after netting two of her three free throws. 

However, Kaye Pesquera sealed the victory for the Fighting Maroons with two clutch free throws of her own.

Maw also had nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while guards Louna Ozar and Christie Bariquit contributed with double-digit rebounds, grabbing 11 and 10, respectively. 

Meanwhile, Salvani spearheaded FEU with an exemplary 28-point performance, six rebounds, and three assists in the losing effort.

Max dela Torre and Manguiat also shined in the loss with 11 markers apiece.

UP will aim to add another win in their record when they face off Adamson University next Saturday, September 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while FEU will look to ward off Ateneo de Manila University next Sunday, September 29, at the Big Dome.

The Scores:

UP 82 – Maw 25, Ozar 17, Bariquit 13, Solitario 8, Pesquera 6, Mendoza 3, Lozada 3, Barba 3, Tapawan 2, Nolasco 1, Vingno 1, Jimenez 0, Sauz 0, Quinquinio 0.

FEU 77 – Salvani 28, Dela Torre 11, Manguiat 11, Lopez 9, Pasilang 6, Libor 5, Villanueva 5, Nangma 2, Paras 0, Gavaran 0, Ong 0.

Quarter Scores: 29-24, 41-48, 64-66, 82-77.