With the margin of error shrinking each game, the De La Salle University Lady Archers pulled off a masterful performance to maintain their campaign to enter the Final Four in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Up against a team who narrowly beat them in the first round, the Lady Archers clinched a 63-47 victory versus the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, Saturday morning at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The result elevates La Salle’s standing to 6-5 in the elimination round.
“Credit to the girls because we’re fighting for survival so the way they’re playing, there’s a sense of urgency there. We will do whatever we can to fight for that (Final Four) slot. Of course, (the players) being focused and concentrated on what we’re supposed to do on offense and on defense is a big factor. Again, credit to the girls because they outworked FEU in this game,” commented Lady Archers coach Cholo Villanueva.
The Lady Archers enjoyed a hot start to the ball game and led 31-22 at the end of the first half. This lead would then balloon to 57-29 in the last five seconds of the third frame thanks to Lee Sario’s free throws.
Kent Pastrana led La Salle anew with 23 points alongside seven rebounds four steals. Chuchi Paraiso followed suit with 11 points and eight rebounds. Maureen Okoli seized 11 boards and converted seven baskets while Charmaine Torres produced 10 rebounds.
Up next for La Salle is a date with the UST Growling Tigresses on September 23, 10:00 AM at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Box scores:
La Salle 63 – Pastrana 23, Paraiso 11, Okoli 7, Sario 7. Torres 6, Quingco 5, Revillosa 4, Binaohan, 0, Castillo 0, Dalisay 0, Espinas 0, Jajurie 0, Jimenez 0, Malarde 0.
FEU 47 – Adriano 9, Bahuyan 8, Jumuad 8, Castro 7, Quiapo 7, Mamaril 6, Delos Santos 2, Abat 0, Antiola 0, Pacia 0, Payadon 0, Vidal 0.
Quarter scores: 16-14, 31-22, 57-29, 63-47.