Defending champion University of Santo Tomas continued its unbeaten run in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament with a dominant 106-48 victory over the University of the East on Wednesday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Head coach Haydee Ong made a triumphant return from her one-game suspension as the Growling Tigresses cruised to their 11th consecutive win, keeping their bid for a sweep of the double-round elimination phase firmly on track.
“It’s a team effort pa rin. Ang defense namin, we take pride in it every time we play. Getting ready for another game on Sunday, so one game at a time pa rin,” said Ong after her first game back with UST.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
UST raced to a 26-10 lead in the opening quarter and replicated the same scoreline in the second period to take a commanding 52-20 advantage into halftime.
The Growling Tigresses continued to impose their presence in the paint after the break, scoring at will as every player on their roster saw action.
UE managed just nine points in the final quarter as UST cruised to its 58-point victory.
“Kahit sino man makalaban namin, focus pa rin kami sa game plan namin. Wala rin kaming iniisip na wala pa kaming talo, basta’t may kalaban kami, focus lang kami and mag-team effort kami every game,” said Karylle Sierba, who finished with 21 points, six assists, and three steals.
Oma Onianwa posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, while CJ Maglupay also scored 13 points to go with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in just 12 minutes of action. Brig Santos chipped in 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals.
UST attempted 98 field goals and converted 44.9 percent of them.
Despite making just four of its 34 attempts from beyond the arc, the Growling Tigresses made up for their struggles from long range by dominating inside, scoring more than half of their total output in the paint.
The reigning champions also recorded 24 steals and capitalized on UE’s 34 turnovers to score 48 points off turnovers—matching the Lady Warriors’ entire offensive output.
UST will next face Ateneo de Manila University on Sunday at 12 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, UE dropped to 1-10 following its third consecutive loss.
Rachel Lacayanga was the Lady Warriors’ lone double-digit scorer, matching Sierba’s game-high 21 points while adding seven rebounds and four steals.
UE will look to bounce back against National University on Saturday at 10 a.m., also at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
UST 106 — Sierba 21, Maglupay 13, Onianwa 13, Santos 11, Relliquette 7, C. Danganan 7, K. Danganan 7, Dajao 6, Ambos 5, Bron 4, McAlary 4, Tate 4, Pescador 2, Boteros 2, Wenceslao 0.
UE 48 — Lacayanga 21, Vacalares 7, Oñate 4, Ronquillo 4, Buscar 2, Lumibao 2, Dalguntas 2, Gullim 2, Cruz 2, Salise 2, Gutierrez 0, Dublar 0, Ramos 0, Sajol 0, Aycardo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-10, 52-20, 79-39, 106-48.
