Defending champion University of Santo Tomas hurdled its biggest test yet, defeating Ateneo de Manila University, 87-80, to extend its perfect run to 12 games in the UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The Growling Tigresses kept their bid for an elimination-round sweep and an outright Finals berth alive, relying on a strong fourth-quarter performance to frustrate the Blue Eagles’ comeback attempt.
“I think, in general, we need those kinds of games na dikitan para ma-testingan yung players. We need that momentum for our next game against NU,” said head coach Haydee Ong.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
With both teams trading blows through the first three quarters, Ateneo took a two-point lead after a Hannah Lopez triple, 67-65, two minutes into the fourth quarter.
However, UST responded with a 9-2 run to reclaim the lead and establish a 74-69 cushion.
Even as the Blue Eagles trimmed the deficit to just two points, the Growling Tigresses answered with another 9-3 surge to build an eight-point advantage with 2:25 remaining.
UST eventually stretched its lead to double digits behind baskets from Oma Onianwa and Karylle Sierba before holding on for the victory.
“Ginagawa po namin yung best namin as individuals and as a team, so nag-focus kami paano kami makakabalik sa defense kasi nahirapan kami sa Ateneo, at sa dulo doon po kami talagang nakabalik,” said Brig Santos, who delivered a double-double of 16 points and 10 steals, alongside four rebounds and four assists.
Sierba paced the Growling Tigresses with 24 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Onianwa and Erinn McAlary chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Next up for UST is its new-age rival, National University, in a rematch of the Season 88 Finals on November 22 at 12 p.m. at the same venue.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Meanwhile, the Blue Eagles saw their three-game winning streak snapped by the reigning champions, dropping to 6-6 and falling into a tie for fourth place with the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
Seng Calago led Ateneo with a season-high 28 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Kacey Dela Rosa recorded another double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Erica De Luna added 11 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Despite the setback, the Blue Eagles remain on track for their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance.
Ateneo will look to bounce back against FEU on November 22 at 10 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UST 87 — Sierba 24, Santos 16, Onianwa 12, McAlary 11, Relliquette 6, Maglupay 5, Danganan 5, Bron 3, Ambos 2, Tate 2, Boteros 1, Dajao 0.
Ateneo 80 — Calago 28, Dela Rosa 16, De Luna 11, Makanjuola 9, Oani 8, H. Lopez 5, Rodriguez 3, Udal 0, L. Lopez 0.
Quarterscores: 18-17, 40-34, 64-63, 87-80.
