FEU back on top in UAAP women's caging

MANILA, Philippines – Far Eastern University returned on top of the UAAP women’s basketball division after pulling off a 52-46 decision against University of the Philippines on Saturday at The Arena in San Juan City. The Lady Tamaraws used a third-quarter scoring surge and a choking defense to win the title via a 2-0 sweep of the Lady Maroons in the best-of-three finals. It was FEU’s first title since winning three straight from 1996 to 1999 and first for coach Michael Oliver since assuming the position four years ago. The title was also ninth overall for the Lady Tamaraws. Raiza Palmera led the Morayta-based dribblers with her 15 points, eight rebounds, three steals and one assist. Her teammate Bernadette Mercado, who finished with 11 points, was named as the finals most valuable player. FEU had to make necessary adjustments in the second half after trailing UP in the first 20 minutes of the game. FEU scored 20 points in the third quarter to turn a six-point halftime deficit to a 40-29 cushion heading into the deciding quarter. UP tried to regain the lead but FEU worked as a single unit using a choking defense to foil the Lady Maroons’ repeated comeback tries. FEU held UP to a combined 17 points in the second half. FEU also translated UP’s 29 turnovers into 20 points. Fatima Tolentino, who was a member of this season's mythical team, grabbed a season-high 26 rebounds and scored 12 points but failed to lead the Lady Maroons to a much-needed win that could have forced a deciding Game 3. – Andrew Lanot