University of Santo Tomas signaled the return of UAAP women’s basketball with a 106-70 domination of Adamson University, to open the 85th season of the league on Saturday morning at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Five players scored double figures for the Growling Tigresses led by Tacky Tacatac with 21 points built on five triples. She also had five rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
“We’re very happy and excited that women’s basketball is back in Season 85. We’re happy that we got our first win, but a lot of work has to be done yet. This is just the beginning,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
The Growling Tigresses had a roaring start, zooming to a 20-point advantage at the end of the first, 30-10. But the Lady Falcons then chopped it to 14 at the half, 48-34.
However, UST went on a huge blast to open the second half. It dropped 18 unanswered points to completely pull away midway through the third frame, 66-34.
Joylyn Pangilinan came through for the Growling Tigresses as well with 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 from the field. Meanwhile, Fil-Am recruit Nikki Villasin chimed in 15 points and six rebounds in her debut.
Rounding out the double digits scorer for UST were Steph Villapando and Eka Soriano with 14 and 13, respectively. The latter also added 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Rookie Dindy Medina paced the Lady Falcons with 29 big points but committed seven turnovers. Meanwhile, Leslie Flor got 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
Both teams will return on Wednesday at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Growling Tigresses will open the quadruple-header against De La Salle University at 9:00 AM. On the other hand, Adamson will end the day against University of the Philippines at 3:00 PM.
The Scores:
UST 106 – Tacatac 21, Pangilinan 19, Villasin 15, Villapando 14, Soriano 13, Ambos 7, Santos 5, Bron 5, Dionisio 4, Araza 3, Serrano 0.
Adamson 70 – Medina 29, Flor 11, Dampios 7, Padilla 6, Meniano 6, Etang 4, Dumelod 3, Agojo 2, Ornopia 2, Alaba Angela 0, Adeshina 0, Tano 0, Dela Cruz 0, Carcallas 0, Alaba Angeline 0, Catulong 0.
Quarterscores: 30-10, 48-34, 78-48, 106-70.
