MANILA – De La Salle University Lady Archers kept its Final Four hopes alive by defeating Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 63-47, in the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana tallied 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists. Chuchi Paraiso added 11 points while Nigerian center Maureen Okoli had seven points, 11 boards, and three blocks for the 6-5 Lady Archers.
With the Silay City-native Pastrana leading the way, the Lady Archers soon jumped to a 31-22 halftime lead, frustrating the Lady Tamaraws with their press as the lead swelled to as high as 28, 57-29, in the third period.
“Credit to the girls. We’re fighting for survival,” said Lady Archers head coach Cholo Villanueva. “The way they’re playing, there’s a sense of urgency and they’ll do whatever they can to fight for that slot.”
Lai Adriano top-scored with nine points while Clare Castro was limited to just seven points, despite still hauling down nine rebounds and rejecting three shots as the Tamaraws dropped to 7-5.
Meanwhile, National University Lady Bulldogs flirted with disaster yet still pulled off a 74-70 victory over University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses.
Kelli Hayes had had 24 points, three
rebounds, and two assists as they improved to 11-0.
Ateneo Lady Eagles weathered the storm and blanked University of the East Lady
Warriors late to take the 81-70 overtime victory.
Alyssa Villamor dropped six of her 13
points in the extension as the Lady Eagles snapped their four-game losing
skid./PN
