UST STAYS UNBEATEN, ENDS ATENEO'S PERFECT RUN

By: Joaquin Cortez

The Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses ended the perfect run of the Ateneo Blue Eagles on their home court, 75-66, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday, Oct. 11.

With the win, the Growling Tigresses improved to a flawless 4-0 record, while Ateneo suffered its first loss of the season, dropping to 4-1.

“I think it's all sa girls at the heart of them na hindi sila na-demoralize noong first half,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said after the win. “The girls adjusted and on the second half, we adjusted our defenses well.”

After a tight start, UST went on a quick 5-0 run, capped by a CJ Maglupay free throw to give the Tigresses an 18-12 lead. However, Camille Malagar and Kailah Oani responded with a trey each, leveling the score at 19-all to end the first quarter.

Ateneo carried their momentum into the second frame, with Sandra Cruz’s triple giving the Eagles a 30-25 cushion. UST struggled to find their rhythm, while Kate Cancio’s euro-step-and-one extended Ateneo’s lead to 41-35 by halftime.

The Tigresses came out firing in the second half, opening with an 8-0 run highlighted by back-to-back triples from Kent Pastrana and Rachelle Ambos, putting UST ahead, 43-41.

From there, UST maintained control, using their fast-paced offense to fend off the Blue Eagles and limiting them to just seven points in the third quarter, entering the final period with a 56-48 lead.

Ateneo tried to mount a late comeback in the final frame, with Malagar’s trey cutting UST’s lead to four, 68-64.

But a fastbreak layup by Santos and an alley-oop finish from Pastrana crushed Ateneo’s hopes, 75-64, sealing the Tigresses’ victory.

Kent Pastrana led UST with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals, while Karylle Sierba added 12 points.

The Growling Tigresses will next face the FEU Lady Tamaraws at the Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 15.