Pasilang clutch putback lifts FEU past Adamson

Victoria Pasilang’s go-ahead putback lifted Far Eastern University (FEU) past Adamson University, 50-48, to close out their first-round campaign with back-to-back victories in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.

With the win, FEU moved into a tie with Adamson at 4-3, gaining a confidence boost heading into the tougher battles of the second round.

After building a 15-point halftime lead, the Lady Tamaraws saw their advantage dwindle as the Lady Falcons mounted a second-half comeback to force a 48-all deadlock in the final minute.

Despite struggling in the second half, Pasilang came through in the clutch, converting a putback off Elaine Patio’s missed pull-up jumper to give FEU a 50-48 lead with 7.8 seconds remaining.

Adamson had one last chance to force overtime, but Elaine Etang’s layup fell short as the Lady Tamaraws held on for the victory.

“What I did, we actually trained for that. That’s what Coach Raiza (Palmera-Dy) always says: ‘whatever you do in practice, you’ll be able to bring to the game,’” Pasilang said of her game-winning play.