Defending champion University of Santo Tomas made quick work of National University, 90-66, to remain unbeaten in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigresses continued where they left off in the Season 88 Finals, when they reclaimed the crown from the Lady Bulldogs in a three-game series. UST and NU have faced each other in each of the last three finals series of the women’s basketball tournament.
The reigning champions improved to 3-0 in the standings, handing the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
“I think in this first test, na-prove naman nila,” said UST assistant coach Jude Paulite.
“If it’s to speak of the effort of the girls, their effort started five days ago when we started preparing for this game. Today, they gave their almost perfect effort, and I think it showed on the scoreboard,” he added.
The Growling Tigresses closed the first half with a 15-4 run to build a 17-point lead, with Oma Onianwa already recording a double-double before the break.
UST maintained its double-digit advantage entering the final period, as its towering frontline limited the Lady Bulldogs’ production in the paint. The Growling Tigresses continued to pull away in the fourth quarter, stretching their lead to as many as 27 points to seal the victory.
“I’m grateful to my coaches and my teammates because I didn’t do this alone. Past games, I didn’t perform well, and then they reminded me of who I am and what I’m supposed to do,” said Onianwa, who finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks.
Five Growling Tigresses scored in double figures, with Karylle Sierba matching Onianwa’s 17-point output while adding four rebounds and two steals. Agatha Bron chipped in 14 points, while Coi Danganan and Erinn McAlary contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.
The aftermath of the game, however, was marred by a physical altercation between assistant coaches Arsenio Dysangco of UST and Paul Du of NU. The incident occurred during the post-game handshakes between teams.
UST will look to preserve its unbeaten record when it takes on Far Eastern University on Wednesday, October 14, at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Ann Pingol led the Lady Bulldogs with a double-double of 11 points and 11 rebounds, while Marga Villanueva paced the team in scoring with 12 points.
Cielo Pagdulagan added 11 points, while Aloha Betanio contributed 10.
NU, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back when it faces the University of the East next Wednesday.
The Scores:
UST 90 – Onianwa 17, Sierba 17, Bron 14, C. Danganan 13, McAlary 11, Santos 6, Ambos 5, Relliquette 3, Maglupay 2, Dajao 2, Boteros 0, Pescador 0, K. Danganan 0, Wenceslao 0, Tate 0.
NU 66 – Villanueva 12, Pingol 11, Pagdulagan 11, Betanio 10, Cayabyab 6, Lapasaran 5, Rosano 4, Solis 4, Garcia 2, Alba 1, Alterado 0.
Quarterscores: 21-14, 47-30, 69-50, 90-66
