University of Santo Tomas leaned on Erika Danganan’s heroics to escape De La Salle-Zobel, 50-48, and claim the last finals berth in the UAAP Season 82 Girls’ Basketball Tournament, Saturday at the Paco Arena.
UST will face the undefeated Adamson University in the best-of-three finals, slated to begin on March 6, Friday, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.
Knotted at 48-all, Danganan received the ball at the top of the arc, fake handoff and drove to the basket for the game-winner with nine seconds left.
With one final chance to tie or grab the win, Luisa Dela Paz’s three-pointer was blocked by Danganan to ice the victory.
“Yung both hamstrings niya, masakit, may iniinda yung bata, pero ang maganda sa kanya, mature na siya maglaro kaya naiangat niya kami sa panalo,” UST head coach Ford Grajales on Danganan.
Danganan powered the Junior Growling Tigresses with 13 points, three rebounds and a block to end the eliminations at 4-2. Their two losses both came from Adamson.
Rachel Lacayanga backstopped her with nine markers and 10 boards while Micka Sison chipped in eight points.
Jeehan Ahmed carried the fight for DLSZ with 18 points, 13 rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and a steal.
Later in the day, the Baby Lady Falcons completed a six-game elimination sweep after a 71-point annihilation of the winless Ateneo de Manila University, 109-38.
Crisnalyn Padilla had herself a game for the ages with 57 points on 27-of-58 clip, on top of five rebounds, five assists, and two steals.
Nina Pohen added 12 markers while Katrina Agojo got 10 points on a perfect 5-of-5 shooting along with 16 rebounds and four dimes.
Andrea Sarmiento paced the Lady Eagles 18 points on 34 shots.
The Scores:
First Game:
UST 50 – Danganan E. 13, Lacayanga 9, Sison 8, Serrano 6, Estudillo 4, Santos B. 4, Santos C. 4, Danganan N. 2, Araza 0, Tubog 0.
DLSZ 48 – Ahmed 18, Dela Paz 10, Cancio 8, Amol 6, Maw 3, Salado 2, Villarin 1, Ba 0, Lopez 0, Mataga 0, Udal 0.
Quarterscores: 10-15, 18-27, 36-38, 50-48.
Second Game
AdU 109 – Padilla 57, Pohen 12, Agojo 10, Carcallas 8, Brutas 6, Miguel 5, Reyes 4, Roy 4, Villarba 3, Amdad 0, Bautista 0, Camagong 0.
AHS 38 – Sarmiento 18, Doctor 9, Medina 6, Gonzaga 3, Co 2, Capayas 0, Jimenez 0.
Quarterscores: 30-10, 50-21, 83-24, 109-38.
