UST DOMINATES UE IN 57-POINT ROUT

By: Joaquin Cortez

The Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses crushed the UE Lady Red Warriors by 57 points, 99-42, to notch their third straight win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 4.

UST improved to 3-0, while the Lady Warriors, who have managed only one win since Season 85, fell to 0-3.

“We’re happy na ‘yong gameplan namin nasunod namin,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said after the victory. “Sinasabi ko palagi sa kanila na hindi pwedeng magsipag lang sa offense so we give importance to our defense too.”

The Growling Tigresses set the tone early, taking a commanding 20-point lead to close the first quarter, 25-5. In the second frame, UST extended their advantage to as much as 32 points, highlighted by an 11-0 run that sent them into halftime ahead, 52-20, capped by Sierba’s coast-to-coast layup as the clock wound down.

Leading 70-29, the Tigresses maintained their momentum, adding a 7-2 run with timely baskets from Breana Pineda and Gin Reliquette before entering the final quarter, 77-31.

UST continued their relentless offense in the fourth, outscoring the Lady Red Warriors 22-11 to secure their third win of the season.

Oma Oniawa led UST with 17 points and six rebounds, while Kent Pastrana and Pineda contributed 13 points apiece. Karylle Sierba also added 11 points in a well-balanced team effort.

The Growling Tigresses will next face the Ateneo Blue Eagles at the Blue Eagle Gym on Oct. 11.