UST RIPS UP FOR 10TH STRAIGHT WIN

By: Miguel Marco

The Strong Group-backed University of Santo Tomas extended its winning streak to 10 after routing the University of the Philippines, 104-54, in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

UST remained perfect at 10-0, while UP fell to 2-8.

Kent Pastrana led the Growling Tigresses with 25 points on 9-of-14 shooting and zero turnovers, while Rachelle Ambos and Oma Onianwa contributed 19 and 11 points, respectively.

"One game at a time pa rin kami. Ineemphasize pa rin namin na maging focused sa mga training for the remaining four games namin this second round," UST head coach Haydee Ong said after the game.

UST started hot, opening an 18-0 run capped by Pastrana's jumper, and held UP at bay to close the first period, 31-9.

The Tigresses maintained their offensive pressure in the second quarter, building a 45-13 lead. UP tried to respond with a 13-2 run, highlighted by Alex Mendoza’s layup, cutting the deficit to 47-23.

UST, however, regained control and led 55-27 at halftime.

The Growling Tigresses outscored UP 31-12 in the third period, capped by an Erinn McAlary basket, pushing the lead to 86-37.

UST continued to dominate in the final quarter, securing their 10th consecutive victory, 104-54.

The Tigresses controlled the paint, 50-24. Camille Nolasco led UP with 17 points, while Achrissa Maw added 10.

UST will next face Far Eastern University on Sunday, Nov. 9, at 11:30 a.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.