The Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles dashed the University Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses’ campaign for a spot in the semi-finals after overpowering the Espana-based squad, 60-54, Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Lady Eagles and Tigresses figured in a low-scoring bout for most of the first half, with the squad from Katipunan slowing down the offensive-minded Tigresses. The Lady Eagles would taste the lead for the first time in the second quarter, after holding the Tigresses scoreless for the first five minutes. The defensive clamp down would take its toll on the Eagles, and unable to get their own defense going, the Lady Eagles would trail once more at halftime, 21-27.
A fiery third quarter would see both teams light up in the offensive glass. The Tigresses would get much needed help from Kristine Siapoc and Maica Cortes, while the Lady Eagles’ offense would come alive again with Likha Javier taking the scoring reins from Danica Jose.
UST would enter the final quarter with the 46-40 lead, but with their scorers visibly worn out and leading scorer Lore Rivera still unable to find a way to penetrate the Lady Eagles’ defense, the Tigresses would find themselves overtaken, 51-52, with 4:30 on the clock. The Tigresses’ struggles would continue, and with a minute remaining, Likha Javier would put Ateneo up 57-52, after a breakaway three. Though the Tigresses would get several stops in the final minute, the Lady Eagles would continue to deny UST easy baskets, and would walk away with the win.
Danica Jose led Ateneo with 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Likha Javier chipped in 11 ponts and 10 rebounds while shooting three-of-four from the three-point line. Kristine Siapoc and Maica Cortes had 12 points apiece for the Tigresses. UST leading scorer Lore Rivera was held to 9 points.
The Lady Eagles and the Tigresses are in a three-way logjam at 6-6 with the Adamson Lady Falcons, who won earlier against the University of the East Lady Warriors.
Quarter Score and Full Time
ADMU 10 11 19 20 60
UST 14 13 19 8 54
