Not so fast.
Third-placed University of Santo Tomas entered the game knowing they needed just a few more wins to formalize their entry to the Final Four, but University of the Philippines had other things in mind.
The unstoppable Lady Maroons kept their hot streak going with another spirited effort, claiming a 61-59 win over the Tigresses in the UAAP Season 78 women’s basketball tournament, Wednesday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Diliman squad outscored the España side, 22-11, in the third quarter to take the upper hand, before Bea Daez and Pat Pesquera took turns delivering huge baskets in the fourth period to snatch the victory.
Pesquera notched a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Daez had 11 points, 10 boards, and 4 assists.
UST started to pull away in the second quarter, going in with a full court press to force turnovers and convert on offense. An 8-2 run to close the first half gave UST a 32-25 cushion.
UP did the same, however, in the third quarter, jumping on a 12-1 streak to take a slim 39-37 lead. Back to back baskets by Tin Aliermo towards the end of the third frame made it 47-43 for the Lady Maroons.
In the fourth, Daez and Pesquera combined to score 9 points, as UP pulled away and built a 56-47 lead halfway. Maica Cortes and Misaela Larosa then scored the Tigresses’ last 12 points, pulling UST within 60-59 under the final 6.1 seconds.
Afterwards, Daez scored a split from the charity stripe to make it 61-59 with only 3.5 seconds left. An offensive rebound by Aliermo sealed the win for the Lady Maroons.
UP improved to 4-7, moving to sixth place, while UST still maintained its position in third place with a 5-6 card.
Cortes powered the Tigresses with 17 points and 16 rebounds, while Larosa added 12 markers.
Scores:
UP (61) – Pesquera 14, Daez 11, Aliermo 10, Tatel 10, Isip 8, Esplana 4, Medina 2, Oliva 2, Rodas 0, Ordoveza 0, Lapid 0.
UST (59) – Cortes 17, Larosa 12, Anies 9, Angeles 6, Magdaluyo 4, Felisarta 2, Penaflor 2, Jerez 2, Gandalla 2, Pernia 2, Isanan 1, Brillante 0, Rivera 0.
Quarterscores: 15-13, 25-32, 47-43, 61-59.
