UST EXTENDS PERFECT RUN, OUTGUNS ATENEO

By: Joaquin Cortez

In a potential playoff preview, the Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses cruised past the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 92-79, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Araneta Coliseum on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The win extended UST’s perfect record to 12-0, while Ateneo slipped to 7-4.

Karylle Sierba led UST’s offense with a game-high 22 points, three assists, and three steals, while Brig Santos and Agatha Bron each added 15 points in the victory.

“Ateneo has always been mahirap to deal with because of Kacey (Dela Rosa) and (Sarah) Makanjoula. So, we really had to think deep about our defenses, and we made the necessary adjustments in the second half,” said UST assistant coach Arsenio Dysangco, who subbed in for longtime tactician Haydee Ong, serving a one-game suspension after two technical fouls this season.

The game remained tight early on. Tied at 20-all in the first quarter, Ateneo’s Kate Cancio sank a layup to give the Blue Eagles a brief 22-20 edge before Kent Pastrana responded with a layup to tie it at 22.

With UST trailing 34-31, Sierba scored on back-to-back layups to reclaim the lead, 35-34. Timely baskets from Rachelle Ambos and Brig Santos helped UST maintain a slim halftime advantage, 42-39.

The Growling Tigresses opened the third quarter with authority. Ambos drilled two straight triples to cap a 14-2 run, putting UST comfortably ahead, 58-45. Santos later hit a three-pointer to extend the lead to nine heading into the final frame, 70-61.

After holding an 82-66 lead following another Ambos triple, UST faced a late Ateneo surge. The Blue Eagles went on an 11-3 run, capped by De Luna’s free throws, cutting the deficit to eight, 85-77.

UST held their composure down the stretch. A layup from Onianwa sealed the victory, 92-79, with less than a minute remaining.

Kent Pastrana also contributed 11 points and nine assists off the bench.

The Growling Tigresses will next face the NU Lady Bulldogs, who currently sit at 12-1, at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, Nov. 23.