Late Heroics Secure FEU Victory in First-Round Finale

Victoria Pasilang delivered the winning putback with 7.8 seconds remaining as FEU escaped Adamson, 50-48, Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym. The Lady Tamaraws survived after surrendering a 15-point halftime advantage during their UAAP Season 89 first-round finale.

Pasilang Hits Winning Putback as FEU Edges Adamson

ABS-CBN News covered FEU’s dramatic two-point victory, which ended with Pasilang delivering the decisive basket during the closing seconds. She converted a putback following Elaine Patio’s missed jumper, breaking a 48-all tie with only 7.8 seconds remaining.

Adamson received one final opportunity when Elaine Etang attacked the basket before time expired on the Lady Falcons. Her potential game-tying layup missed, allowing FEU to complete its first-round schedule with a narrow victory over Adamson.

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Guard Credits Practice for Decisive Basket

Pasilang credited FEU’s training habits for preparing her to attack the offensive glass during the game’s decisive possession.

“‘Yung ginawa ko, tine-training namin yan. ‘Yun ‘yung sinasabi ni Coach Raiza (Palmera-Dy) na ‘Kung anong gagawin mo sa practice, magagawa mo sa team,” Pasilang said of her game-winning play. “Kaya nagawa namin yung mga bagay na tulad ng putback.”

Her offensive rebound created FEU’s final scoring opportunity after Patio missed the initial jumper with the teams tied.

FEU Builds 15-Point Lead Behind Pasilang and Patio

FEU and Adamson finished the opening quarter tied at 11 before the Lady Tamaraws controlled the second period. The Lady Tamaraws outscored Adamson 23-8 during that quarter, building a 34-19 advantage entering the halftime break.

Patio split two free throws to establish FEU’s largest first-half advantage, giving the Lady Tamaraws a 15-point cushion. Pasilang scored 14 points before halftime as FEU created substantial separation following the evenly played opening quarter.

Pasilang Scores 14 Before Halftime

Pasilang finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three steals after producing 14 points during FEU’s first-half surge. Patio contributed 15 points and six rebounds, giving the Lady Tamaraws another double-digit scorer throughout the two-point victory. Together, Pasilang and Patio accounted for 33 of FEU’s 50 points during Saturday’s first-round finale against Adamson.

Adamson Erases FEU’s Lead During Second Half

Adamson responded after halftime by limiting FEU to nine third-quarter points and reducing the deficit entering the final period. Angeline Alaba connected from three-point range to bring the Lady Falcons within 43-35 after three quarters of play.

Kim Limbago later converted two free throws, cutting FEU’s advantage to 46-42 with fewer than five minutes remaining. Amyah Espanol answered with a putback off her own miss, restoring a six-point Lady Tamaraws lead at 48-42.

Lady Falcons Tie Game With 56 Seconds Left

FEU went scoreless for nearly four minutes after Espanol’s basket, allowing Adamson to produce six consecutive points during its comeback. Trix Burgos completed that run from the free-throw line, tying the game at 48 with 56 seconds remaining. Pasilang eventually broke the tie after rebounding Patio’s missed jumper, giving FEU the decisive basket with 7.8 seconds left.

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Pasilang Finishes With 18 as FEU Survives Comeback

FEU scored 34 points before halftime but managed only 16 throughout the second half as Adamson erased its deficit. Pasilang still finished with 18 points, seven rebounds, and three steals while supplying the decisive offensive rebound and putback.

Head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy acknowledged afterward that FEU relaxed during the game despite working collectively across all four quarters. Her comments followed a second half where Adamson reduced a 15-point halftime deficit before eventually tying the contest.

Palmera-Dy Addresses FEU’s Second-Half Drop

Palmera-Dy praised FEU’s collective effort while acknowledging the decline in intensity that accompanied Adamson’s second-half comeback.

“It’s a collective effort, eh. From the first quarter, second quarter, third, and then fourth, we worked hard for it,” said FEU head coach Palmera-Dy. “Medyo nag-relax kami and ‘yun ‘yung kailangan kong i-instill sa mga bata na we cannot afford to do that.”

The Lady Tamaraws nevertheless secured their fourth victory after Pasilang converted FEU’s final scoring opportunity during the closing seconds.

FEU and Adamson Complete First Round at 4-3

Saturday’s result left FEU and Adamson with identical 4-3 records after completing seven games during the Season 89 first round. The Lady Tamaraws secured their fourth victory through Pasilang’s late basket, while Adamson absorbed its third defeat despite rallying after halftime.

Cheska Apag and Etang led Adamson with 11 points apiece, while Alaba and Burgos contributed seven points each. Nadine Muñoz exited after an ankle injury with 5:05 remaining in the fourth quarter and finished without scoring.

Apag and Etang Lead Lady Falcons With 11 Each

Apag and Etang supplied 22 combined points as Adamson nearly completed its comeback from a 15-point halftime deficit. Alaba and Burgos added 14 combined points, including Burgos’ free throws that tied the game with 56 seconds remaining. Adamson ultimately finished the first round at 4-3 after Pasilang’s late putback separated the teams during the final possession.

Analytical Breakdown: FEU Must Learn to Protect its Leads

Pasilang’s winning putback demonstrated the importance of completing possessions through disciplined rebounding, especially when late-game defensive pressure intensifies. FEU’s larger concern is sustaining execution after halftime because surrendering comfortable advantages creates unnecessary pressure during closing possessions. The Lady Tamaraws become more dangerous if their defensive intensity and offensive discipline remain consistent after establishing double-digit leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did FEU beat Adamson in UAAP Season 89?

FEU defeated Adamson, 50-48, after Victoria Pasilang converted the winning putback with 7.8 seconds remaining.

How many points did Victoria Pasilang score?

Pasilang scored 18 points while adding seven rebounds and three steals during FEU’s victory over Adamson.

How big was FEU’s lead against Adamson?

The Lady Tamaraws led by 15 points at halftime, 34-19, before Adamson erased the deficit during the second half.

What are FEU and Adamson’s records?

FEU and Adamson both completed the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball first round with identical 4-3 records.

Who were Adamson’s leading scorers?

Cheska Apag and Elaine Etang led the Lady Falcons with 11 points apiece during the two-point defeat.

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