UST TIGRESSES CRUSH LA SALLE TO STAY UNBEATEN

By: Miguel Marco

The Strong Group-powered University of Santo Tomas extended its winning streak with a commanding 94-50 victory over De La Salle University in the second-round opener of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday night, October 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tigresses remained unbeaten with a pristine 8-0 record to stay atop the standings, while the Lady Archers fell to 3-5.

Agatha Bron led the way for UST with 15 points and five rebounds, while Oma Onianwa posted a dominant double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds. Barby Dajao also had a breakout performance, contributing 11 points on three triples.

“I think it’s all team effort. The girls delivered well, especially Agatha [Bron] and Barby [Dajao]. Hinihintay ko lang talaga sila pumutok, and I think this is their night,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong after the game.

The Tigresses started strong with a 20-13 lead before unleashing an 8-2 spurt capped by a Brig Santos jumper to end the opening quarter ahead, 28-15.

UST then opened the second period with a blistering 15-0 run, punctuated by Dajao’s three-pointer, to build a commanding 53-24 lead by halftime.

Holding a 63-36 advantage, UST closed the third frame with a 9-2 rally behind an Onianwa layup to enter the final quarter with a 75-38 cushion.

The Tigresses maintained their dominance in the fourth quarter, outscoring La Salle, 19-12, to seal the emphatic 44-point victory.

UST will look to keep its perfect streak alive when it faces Adamson University on Wednesday, October 29, at 12:00 noon, still at the Mall of Asia Arena.