University of Santo Tomas opened its title defense in emphatic fashion, demolishing the University of the East, 103-58, to officially kick off the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Moving on from mainstays Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, the Growling Tigresses picked up right where they left off after an undefeated elimination-round campaign last season. There, they got their revenge against National University in the finals to secure their second title in three years.
“Siyempre, first game, there were jitters noong first half; then during the second half, that was the time the girls settled down and ‘yong defense and offense were a much better flow,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said.
“It was a team effort; everybody contributed, especially ‘yong mga rookies.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
UST was still feeling its way early, holding just a 16-14 lead midway through the opening quarter before uncorking a 17-6 run to close the frame and build a 33-20 advantage.
The defending champions held the Lady Warriors scoreless for nearly four minutes before Moana Vacalares split her free throws to cut the deficit to 20, 41-21.
The Growling Tigresses’ stifling defense proved too much for UE to handle. UST outscored the Lady Warriors, 27-14, in the third quarter, stretching its lead to as many as 34 points before entering the final frame with a commanding 83-49 cushion.
UST’s lead proved insurmountable as UE could not mount a comeback, with Barby Dajao’s layup allowing the Growling Tigresses to hit the century mark and cruise to victory.
Brig Santos, who is in her final year with UST, finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Sophomore Erinn McAlary — filling the huge void left by Pastrana — scored a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and 22 seconds of action.
Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay rounded out the Tigresses’ balanced offensive attack with 10 points apiece.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
For UE, Sy Onate led the team with 16 points, followed by Rachel Lacayanga, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Growling Tigresses dominated the boards, grabbing 62 rebounds, including 30 on the offensive end, while converting those extra possessions into 29 second-chance points.
UST’s bench also took over, outscoring UE’s reserves, 72-33.
The Growling Tigresses will also be without Kayla Williams for the entire Season 89 campaign after the league deemed the former United States NCAA forward ineligible for having already played five years of collegiate basketball in the United States. UST, however, intends to appeal the ruling.
The Growling Tigresses will next face Adamson University on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9:00 AM. On the other hand, the Lady Warriors take on De La Salle University on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:00 AM.
The Scores:
UST 103 – Santos 18, McAlary 14, Sierba 10, Maglupay 10, Onianwa 8, K. Danganan 8, Boteros 7, C. Danganan 7, Tate 6, Ambos 5, Pescador 4, Relliquette 2, Dajao 2, Bron 2, Wenceslao 0.
UE 58 – Onate 16, Lacayanga 15, Lumibao 8, Buscar 7, Vacalares 4, Ronquillo 3, Gullim 3, Dalguntas 2, Cruz 0, Ramos 0, Sajol 0.
Quarterscores: 33-20, 56-35, 83-49, 103-58.
