MANILA — A pair of Asian Games silver medalists led the way in Far Eastern University's 76-71 win over De La Salle University in their first game of the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Asian Games campaigners Amyah Espanol and Victoria Pasilang starred in the victory, with Espanol putting up an all-around effort of 18 points, nine steals, and eight rebounds in nearly 32 minutes of action.
Her 3x3 teammate, Pasilang, also came up big with 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
"I'm not surprised with the way these two (Espanol and Pasilang) played but like I said, our standards were not yet there. We are happy but we are not contented in this game," said third-year coach and FEU hoops icon Raiza Palmera-Dy.
FEU's Amyah Espanol in action against La Salle in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, September 30, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
With FEU ahead by just four points with less than four minutes remaining, Pasilang, Espanol, and Elaine Patio sparked a 7-2 blitz to give the Lady Tamaraws a 76-67 lead with 1:12 left to play.
That proved to be enough as the Lady Archers could only muster four more points the rest of the way, allowing FEU to secure the victory.
"It's our goal this year, be in the Final Four and push to the Finals. I think we really have a good chance, we have a very promising team this year," said Espanol.
MJ Manguiat also delivered for FEU with 17 points, four assists, and four steals, while Patio added 12 points despite shooting just 4-of-14 from the field.
Kyla Go led La Salle with 19 points, although 14 of her points came from the free-throw line, where she shot a perfect 14-of-14. She struggled from the field, however, making just 2-of-12 attempts.
Nigerian center Favour Ojo also had an impressive debut for the Lady Archers, recording 17 points, 13 rebounds, and two steals.
Both teams will return to action on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, with La Salle facing the University of the East at 10 a.m., followed by FEU's clash with the University of the Philippines at 12 p.m.
The Scores:
FEU (76) – Espanol 18, Manguiat 17, Pasilang 15, Patio 12, Salvani 8, Lopez 6, Dela Torre 0, Agcambot 0, Kant 0, Gavaran 0.
DLSU (71) – Go 19, Ojo 17, Dueñas 9, Sunga 6, A. Dizon 6, Anastacio 5, S. Dizon 4, Villarin 3, Delos Reyes 2, Lubrico 0, Araza 0.
Quarterscores: 21-18, 37-39, 56-55, 76-71.