MANILA, Philippines—Far Eastern University is a victory away from a perfect season in the UAAP.
FEU, clutching a “thrice to beat” edge, repulsed La Salle, 64-56, in game one of the 75th UAAP women’s basketball finals before a sizeable crowd Sunday at the San Juan Arena.
The Lady Tamaraws, who swept the eliminations for an outright ticket to the finals, are only a victory away from clinching their second straight women’s title.
FEU star Allana Lim, who’s had phenomenal games this season, led with 17 points and four rebounds for her squad, which only managed to create safe distance in the fourth quarter.
“We’re not that satisfied. We need one more win. We’re happy but we don’t have the right to celebrate,” said head coach Allan Albano.
“There’s an added pressure since we’re unbeaten,” Albano added.
Albano also leaned on Soc Borja, who chipped in an all-around game with 13 points, five assists and four boards.
It was only in the second half when the Lady Tamaraws restored order and held on to the lead even in the face of scoring spurts by the Lady Archers.
Trisha Piatos, who inched the Lady Archers closer to a point toward the end of the third quarter, had 15 markers and six rebounds.
Aracelie Abaca, who carried La Salle to the finals throughout the step-ladder semifinals, posted a 10-point, 12-rebound statline.