The UST Growling Tigresses began their quest for a back‑to‑back championship with a dominant 103‑58 win over the UE Lady Warriors in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigresses started slowly before unleashing a 17‑6 run to close the first quarter with a 13‑point lead, 33‑20. From there, UST settled into its rhythm and continued to pull away from UE.
The Growling Tigresses extended their advantage to as much as 34 points, 83‑49, heading into the final quarter before cruising to the 45‑point victory.
“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.”
UST Gets Big Games All Around
Graduating player Brig Santos paced the Growling Tigresses with 18 points and 4 rebounds, while Erinn McAlary contributed 14 points and 2 blocks. Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay had 10 points apiece.
For the Lady Warriors, Sy Onate paced the team with 16 points, followed by Rachel Lacayanga, who finished with a double‑double of 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Growling Tigresses will next face the Adamson University Lady Falcons on Saturday, October 3, at 9:00 a.m. at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. Meanwhile, the Lady Warriors will take on the De La Salle University Lady Archers on Sunday, October 4, at 10:00 a.m. at the same venue.
