The University of the East Lady Warriors dealt a big blow to the UAAP Season 79 Women’s Basketball Tournament Final Four hopes of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses, as the former prevented a comeback to win 64-58.
UE (10-4) end the elimination round in third place. On the other hand, UST (6-8) need the Far Eastern University to win later today against Adamson University for them to secure a place in the Final Four.
“Hindi pa kami puwede mag-relax. Kailangan namin mag-prepare,” said UE head coach Aileen Lebornio. “Bukas kailangan namin kaagad mag-handa kung anuman ang dapat nating paghandaan.”
Love Sto. Domingo and Ruthlaine Tacula scored 25 and 17 points respectively to carry the Lady Warriors today at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
UE started in lackluster fashion as it faced a 13-23 deficit at the end of the first period against UST. The Lady Warriors improved their game in the second period as they went into halftime with a 33-30 edge from the Growling Tigresses.
The Recto school simply maintained their momentum in the third quarter. Three free throws from Tacula gave UE a 45-37 lead before the end of the period.
UST stared at a 38-45 difference at the start of the fourth quarter, and UE continued to pummel through, as a Sto. Domingo basket gave the Lady Warriors their highest lead of the ballgame, 51-38, early in the period.
Undeterred, the Growling Tigresses mounted a comeback as two consecutive treys from Shanda Anies leveled the score at 55-55 with 1:45 left in the contest.
Momentum was on UST’s side, but their failure to convert in their next possession cost them dearly. Markers from Tacula and Nicole Mendina allowed UE some breathing room, 60-55, with only 30:4 seconds remaining.
The Growling Tigresses then pushed for a miracle, only for a turnover to occur and UE’s Bienca Ramos was left open to score in the paint to secure the game. In the end, UE won 64-58 against UST.
“Sinabi ko sa huddle hindi pa tapos ang oras,” declared UE mentor Aileen Lebornio. “Huwag kayo mag-relax. Nag-relax ang mga bata especially sa depensa kaya dumikit ang UST sa amin. Nag-early celebration sila.”
Defense was the key for UE today against the Growling Tigresses. UE forced their opponents to commit 26 turnovers, which helped them score 19 points. In contrast, UE made 18 turnovers and conceded 11 points.
“Yan yung inadjust ko nung nag-timeout ako. Dumepensa muna tayo. Ang opensa dadating lang yan,” Lebornio stated.
The Scores:
UE (64) – Sto. Domingo 25, Tacula 17, Chan 8, Mendina 7, Ramos 4, Requiron 3, Francisco 0, Gayacao 0, Relova 0.
UST (58) – Anies 22, Portillo 11, Gandalla 6, Larosa 5, Penaflor 5, Felisarta 4, Rivera 3, Aujero 2, Magdaluyo 0, Jerez 0, Sangalang 0.
Quarterscores: 13-23, 33-30, 45-38, 64-58.
