UST CAPS 7-0 START AGAINST UP

By: Joaquin Cortez

The Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses crushed the UP Fighting Maroons, 75-61, to finish the first round undefeated in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

This marks the first time UST has swept the first round since 2011, closing with a perfect 7-0 record. Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fell to 2-5.

Brigette Santos led UST with a season-high 26 points and six steals, while Rachelle Ambos added 10 points in the victory.

“UP gave us a good fight, but we need to be more consistent in our games and we cannot play two, three quarters and not perform in other quarters,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said. “But a win is a win… and hope to improve compared to this game.”

UST started strong, racing to a 9-0 lead capped by a Bridgette Santos triple. The Tigresses maintained control with consecutive layups from Santos and Karylle Sierba, ending the opening frame at 21-7.

The Tigresses kept up their pace, with a Rachelle Ambos layup extending UST’s lead to 39-18.

The Fighting Maroons fought back, closing the first half with a 6-0 run capped by three free throws from Achrissa Maw, cutting the deficit to 17 at halftime, 41-24.

UST opened the third quarter with an 11-3 run, highlighted by Agatha Bron’s free throws, to lead by 25, 52-27. The Tigresses kept UP at bay entering the final quarter, 58-36.

UP attempted a late push with a 17-7 rally in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough, as UST secured a flawless first round, 75-61.

The Tigresses will start the second round against the DLSU Lady Archers at the Mall of Asia Arena on Saturday, Oct. 25.