MANILA, Philippines -- The De La Salle Lady Archers secured a third consecutive victory in UAAP women's basketball after fending off Far Eastern University, 65-58, Saturday morning at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Archers improved to 4-1 in the UAAP Season 85 women's basketball tournament, while dropping the Lady Tamaraws to 1-4.

Fina Niantcho had a double-double by the halftime break and finished with 16 points, 19 rebounds, two steals and a block in 22 minutes. Charmine Torres added 16 points and eight rebounds for the Lady Archers.

La Salle led by as much as 13 points but needed a big shot from Lee Sario in the final 68 seconds to stave off a last-ditch comeback by the Lady Tamaraws.

"We needed this kind of game, because our last win was a blowout," said La Salle head coach Cholo Villanueva, referring to their 76-53 demolition of the University of the East in their previous game.

"FEU gave a very good effort in today's game, so it's a good test for us na we were able to control the game towards the end," he added.

The Lady Tamaraws were within five points, 60-55, with still over two minutes left as they took advantage of the Lady Archers' foul trouble. But La Salle's defense held firm, and Sario knocked down a booming triple from the left corner with 68 seconds to go for a 63-55 count.

Out of a timeout, La Salle forced FEU into a turnover, and though Angel Obien hit a late three-pointer, the Lady Archers had done more than enough to hold on for the win.

Dania Pacia led the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points, while Camille Taguiam had 13 markers.

UAAP Season 85 is streaming on iWantTFC every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, available for Premium users outside the Philippines.