UST'S PERFECT RUN ENDS AS NU STEALS GAME 1

By: Miguel Marco

The Strong Group-backed University of Santo Tomas faltered late against defending champion National University, falling 84-79 in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Finals on Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The loss marked UST’s first defeat of the season after sweeping the eliminations and securing an automatic Finals berth.

UST captain Eka Soriano led the Tigresses with 20 points and five rebounds, while Kent Pastrana and Karylle Sierba added 15 and 14 points, respectively.

The teams traded blows in the opening stretch until Marlyene Solis sank a three-pointer, bringing NU within three, 16-13. The Lady Bulldogs then took control in the second quarter, building a seven-point lead at halftime, 42-35.

UST roared back in the third, going on a 20-7 run capped by a Pastrana jumper to grab a 55-49 advantage. NU responded with a 12-5 rally to take a slim 61-60 lead entering the fourth quarter.

Down 70-67, Marga Villanueva drilled back-to-back triples to put NU ahead. Soriano answered with six straight points to keep UST in striking distance, but the Lady Bulldogs held firm in the final minutes to secure a hard-fought Game 1 victory, 84-79.

Angel Surada paced NU with 19 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, while Villanueva contributed 17 points and six boards.

Game 2 of the UAAP Women’s Basketball Finals is scheduled for Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.