November 25, 2025

Shem Abatayo, FEU out to keep UAAP Final Four hopes alive in challenging undefeated UST

Shem Abatayo, FEU out to keep UAAP Final Four hopes alive in challenging undefeated UST
If FEU can topple UST, the Lady Tamaraws would earn a shot at the last Final Four spot against Adamson while preventing the Growling Tigresses from securing an outright Finals place. | Photo: The UAAP

FEU is eager to live to fight another day in a must-win showdown against the unbeaten and no. 1 UST Growling Tigresses in their UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball clash on Wednesday, November 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Tip-off is at 11:30 a.m.

[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]

The Lady Tamaraws stayed in contention with a commanding 70-53 romp of the also-ran UE Lady Warriors in their previous outing. 

Amyah Espanol starred with a team-high 21 points, lifting FEU to a 6-7 record, just behind the no. 4 Adamson Lady Falcons (7-7).

Shem Abatayo was one assist shy of a double-double, tallying 10 points and nine dimes.

To force a playoff for the fourth and last Final Four spot, head coach Raiza Palmera-Dy and her wards must find a way to overcome the mighty 13-0 Growling Tigresses. 

To make the stakes even higher, an FEU win would also deny UST an automatic entry to the Finals and instead force a traditional Final Four playoff format. 

In a do-or-die situation, can the Lady Tamaraws pull off a major upset and give themselves a chance to end a five-year postseason drought?

(With reports from Pao Ambat)

[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]

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