University of Santo Tomas remained unbeaten in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament with a commanding 104-54 victory over the University of the Philippines on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigresses improved to 10-0, maintaining their hold atop the eight-team standings with a 32.8-point winning margin.
“Same pa rin ang mentality namin ng mga girls. Take it one game at a time pa rin at to be consistent and to improve each and every game,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
“Of course, mabigat ‘yung last two games namin Ateneo and NU, pero Sunday against FEU, so we’ll prepare against them.”
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
The Tigresses dominated from the start, opening with a 31-9 first quarter and extending their lead to 28 points by halftime, 55-27.
UST’s advantage peaked midway through the fourth quarter on a Breanna Pineda deuce, building a 53-point margin, 98-45.
Kent Pastrana led the rout with 25 points, five rebounds, three assists, three steals, and a block. She finished with a game-high plus-48 in just 20 minutes and 19 seconds on the floor.
“I think this is the best game of Kent. 48 efficiency on 20 minutes and 25 points, so I hope she can keep it up, those magical numbers,” said Ong.
Rachelle Ambos added 19 points and nine rebounds, while Oma Onianwa contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds, recording a game-best plus-51 in 20 minutes and 13 seconds of play.
The defeat marked UP’s eighth consecutive loss after opening the season with back-to-back wins, dropping them to 2-8. Despite this, the Fighting Maroons still have a fighting chance, with Adamson, De La Salle, and Far Eastern University all tied at 4-6 in the standings.
UST will aim for its 11th win on Sunday against Far Eastern University at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Camille Nolasco led UP with 17 points and four rebounds, while Achrissa Maw contributed 10 points, five rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
Last season’s Mythical Team member, Louna Ozar, struggled again. She shot 2-of-13 from the field for six points, along with five rebounds, four assists, and two steals, while committing five turnovers.
UP seeks to end its eight-game skid on Saturday against winless University of the East at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
UST (104) – Pastrana 25, Ambos 19, Onianwa 11, Sierba 9, Pineda 8, Bron 7, Santos 6, N. Danganan 6, Pescador 4, McAlary 3, Soriano 2, Serrano 2, Dajao 2, Relliquette 0, E. Danganan 0.
UP (54) – Nolasco 17, Maw 10, Ozar 6, Cunanan 6, Mendoza 5, Castro 5, Vingno 2, Mejasco 2, Tapawan 1, Barba 0, Solitario 0, Santos 0, Evangelista 0.
Quarterscores: 31-9, 55-27, 86-39, 104-54.
