Despite missing the presence of head coach Sen Dysangco, University of Santo Tomas showed no signs of slowing down, cruising past National University Nazareth School with a commanding 85-57 victory to move within one win of the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Basketball Tournament title, Thursday at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.
With assistant coach Allana Lim stepping in for Dysangco, the victory carried added significance.
The Junior Growling Tigresses not only moved closer to their first official championship, but also redeemed their previous co-championship finish in Season 82, when they shared the title with Adamson University.
Dysangco served a one-game suspension for violating the league’s cooling-off period policy.
The win further highlighted UST’s dominance over NUNS, having already beaten them twice in the elimination round.
The team took a 75-69 win in the first-round meeting on February 6, then a 91-66 rout on March 6 to complete a sweep of the preliminaries.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Unang-una, we’re so proud of these girls. Itong panalo na ito para kay coach Sen. Deserve nila itong panalo na ito. It’s a collective effort, hindi lang sa mga players, hanggang sa management at support ng college team and coaches,” Lim said.
“Yung sinabi nga ni coach Sen namin, ‘Na-prepare na namin kayo sa magiging laban natin, so huwag niyo isipin na wala ako sa game’.”
After Aubrey Lapasaran converted a four-point play to cut UST’s lead to 47-43, the Junior Growling Tigresses responded with a crucial 15-6 run, establishing a 62-49 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.
UST capitalized on Lapasaran’s foul trouble, as she sat out much of the second half after picking up her fourth foul with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter.
The Junior Growling Tigresses then opened the final frame with 11 unanswered points, burying Bullpups in a 77-49 deficit that proved insurmountable.
Defense played a critical role for UST, as they limited NUNS to just 21 second-half points on a dismal 8-of-36 shooting clip. The Junior Growling Tigresses also collected 21 steals and forced 33 turnovers in a dominant defensive display.
Presumptive MVP Barby Dajao starred for UST with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Rhiane Perez contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, four assists, and a block.
Lea Pinuela added 14 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while Sandra Abrantes chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and one steal. Katrina Insoy rounded out UST’s balanced attack with 12 points, five steals, three assists, and two rebounds.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other hand, NUNS struggled to crack UST’s defense. It has lost all three meetings against the Junior Growling Tigresses — the team’s only defeats of the season.
Marielle Avila led the Lady Bullpups with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Meanwhile, Lapasaran was held to 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting, along with seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists.
UST will aim to complete their perfect season and clinch the crown on Thursday, March 20, at the same San Juan venue.
The Scores:
UST 85 – Dajao 25, Perez 16, Pinuela 14, Abrantes 14, Insoy 12, Wenceslao 2, Tambawan 2, Onate 0, Banate 0, Anonuevo 0, Boteros 0.
NU 57 – Avila 15, Lapasaran 13, Mallari 8, Pascua 7, Badajos 5, Trinidad 4, Abong 2, Katigbak 2, Sales 1, Singson 0, Aycardo 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 44-36, 62-49, 85-57.
