Tacky Tacatac has consistently provided the offense for University of Santo Tomas during a remarkable week in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament.
Her standout performances helped the Growling Tigresses secure a 2-0 record from October 12 to 19, earning her recognition as the Collegiate Press Corps’ (CPC) UAAP Women’s Player of the Week, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
Using her outside shooting prowess, Tacatac played a crucial role in leading UST to an 84-57 victory over UP on October 13 and a 77-73 win against Ateneo on October 19.
These two wins improved UST’s overall record to 8-1, marking the second-best performance in the tournament.
Tacatac edged out teammate Bridgette Santos, NU’s Cielo Pagdulagan, FEU’s EJ Lopez, and Adamson’s Elaine Etang for the weekly citation.
She shot an impressive 9-of-15 (60 percent) from beyond the arc over the two games, averaging 17.5 points in just 20.5 minutes per game.
Her contributions were particularly vital, as reigning UAAP Athlete of the Year Kent Pastrana was heavily defended by opponents.
“Si Kent talaga ang nasa game plan lagi ng kalaban. I’m happy that Tacky and the others are showing up para matanggal yung pressure kay Kent,” said Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.
In the game against UP, Tacatac shot 5-of-7 from downtown and 7-of-13 overall, finishing with 23 points and two steals.
She then went 4-of-8 from three-point range against Ateneo, scoring 12 points, along with two rebounds and two assists.
However, Tacatac emphasizes that her defensive efforts are equally important.
“Nagfo-focus lang ako sa kung ano matutulong ko sa team,” Tacatac said.
