UST tops NU in dominant showing

By: Joaquin Cortez

The Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses overcame the defending champion NU Lady Bulldogs, 76-62, to secure their second win in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The victory improved UST’s record to 2-0, while the Bulldogs fell to 1-1.

“Sinabi ko naman sa girls na tonight it’s all about the Tigresses playing their basketball,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said after the win over the reigning champions. “It’s all about effort, and what was important tonight was our defense.”

UST trailed 13-12 before igniting an 8-0 run to close the first quarter, capped off by a Karylle Sierba fastbreak layup that gave the Tigresses an eight-point cushion, 20-12.

The momentum continued in the second quarter with a 7-3 run, highlighted by Eka Soriano’s two-point jumper, giving UST a 31-15 double-digit advantage.

The Bulldogs responded with a 16-5 surge, with a Marylene Solis layup cutting UST’s lead to five, 35-30. However, the Tigresses maintained control, heading into halftime with a 40-30 lead.

The third quarter saw a back-and-forth battle before UST pulled away, outscoring NU 20-12, with a Rachell Ambos basket giving them a comfortable 60-42 margin.

NU attempted a comeback in the final quarter, mounting a 13-5 run capped by a Solis layup that narrowed the lead to 65-55. But a decisive inside conversion by Maglupay quelled the rally and secured UST’s second win of the season.

UST also dominated the boards, controlling the paint with a 78-37 rebounding advantage.

Oma Onianwa led UST with 18 points and 15 rebounds, while Kent Pastrana added 12 points, eight boards, and four assists off the bench.

The Growling Tigresses will next face the UE Lady Warriors at the Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, Oct. 4.