University of Santo Tomas solidified its hold on the second seed after overpowering Adamson University, 60-47, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.
The victory improved UST’s record to 11-2, securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four – contingent on the NU Lady Bulldogs failing to sweep the eliminations.
“We want to see the best from our players. From the first to the fourth quarter, hindi kami consistent, pero ang silver lining ay ‘yung defense namin – 47 points lang ang nagawa ng Adamson,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Adamson managed to keep the game close early, even taking an 11-4 lead in the first quarter.
However, UST regrouped and held the upper hand throughout the first half.
The Lady Falcons then mounted a rally late in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just five points, 37-32, with 3:33 remaining.
But UST’s Brigette Santos spearheaded a 10-2 run to close the quarter, pushing the Growling Tigresses to a commanding 47-34 lead heading into the final frame.
Tacky Tacatac led UST with 13 points, hitting four three-pointers, while Kent Pastrana added 12 points and eight rebounds.
Santos provided crucial support with 10 points and seven boards.
Meanwhile, Karylle Sierba filled the stat sheet with seven points, six rebounds, four assists, and four steals.
The Growling Tigresses dominated the boards, outrebounding Adamson 57-35, despite the absence of Rocel Dionisio, who has missed the entire second round due to personal reasons.
Koi Danganan and CJ Maglupay contributed significantly to UST’s rebounding effort with 10 and 12 boards, respectively.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Kem Adeshina stood out for Adamson with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Elaine Etang struggled with nine points on 4-of-12 shooting and seven turnovers.
The Lady Falcons, now 8-5, dropped their second consecutive game and are tied with the Ateneo Blue Eagles for third and fourth place.
The two teams will face off next Saturday for solo third.
UST, on the other hand, will conclude the elimination round against De La Salle University. The game is also next Saturday at the same venue.
The Scores:
UST 60 – Tacatac 13, Pastrana 12, Santos 10, Sierba 7, Bron 6, Soriano 5, Danganan 4, Reliquette 2, Maglupay 1, Ambos 0, Pescador 0.
AdU 47 – Adeshina 14, Etang 9, A. Alaba 6, Limbago 5, Apag 5, Padilla 4, Meniano 2, Ornopia 2, Bajo 0, Mazo 0, Cortez 0, E. Alaba 0, Agojo 0, Manlimos 0.
Quarterscores: 20-12, 30-22, 47-34, 60-47.
