UAAP Women’s Basketball: UST clobbers UP, Ateneo prevails over UE

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses secured its second straight win after hammering University of the Philippines, 84-60, in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Wednesday, October 2, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

Tacky Tacatac delivered her best performance of the season after unloading four triples to finish with 20 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter that gave UST an 84-58 cushion with 1:20 remaining on the clock.

“I hope she (Tacky) continues to play well. Like they say, a shooter will always be a shooter. It will give us more space in our offense because the defenders are focused on Tacky,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said post-game.

Kent Pastrana as usual sustained her outstanding performance, finishing with 21 markers, highlighted by three triples, nine rebounds, four assists, and two steals to improve the Growling Tigresses record to 5-1.

UST rookie Karylle Sierba recorded 11 markers, six dimes, three boards, and two deflections, while Season 85 MVP Eka Soriano chipped in five points, eight rebounds, and four steals in the winning effort. 

The Growling Tigresses will aim to conclude the first round on a winning note against Far Eastern University on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. 

On the other hand, Ateneo de Manila University continued their winning ways in the women’s basketball tournament of the UAAP Season 87 after outclassing University of the East with a 90-62 victory.

Reigning UAAP Season 86 MVP Kacey dela Rosa paced the Blue Eagles with a spectacular performance, finishing 19 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks and two assists, earmarking her sixth double-double of the season.

Nigerian student-athlete Sarah Makanjuola complimented Dela Rosa’s effort after tallying 14 markers and 17 boards, along with three blocks and two steals that steered Ateneo’s records to 4-2 win-loss.

The Blue Eagles outscored UE in the second quarter to take a commanding 50-27 lead at half time. Ateneo never looked back after that, increasing their advantage to a game-high 31 points in the fourth quarter to seal their fourth win in six games.

“I think we knew that these two games would be very important heading into the match against NU. We were able to execute the game plan, and I think we expect to get better as the season goes along,” expressed Blue Eagles head coach LA Mumar.

In addition to Dela Rosa and Makanjuola’s points contribution, Junize Calago posted 15 points, along with five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. 

A standout performance was also dispatched by rookie Kai Oani, who achieved the best outing of her UAAP career with 13 markers, three dimes, and three deflections.

The Blue Eagles will aim to extend their winning record when they play against National University on Saturday, October 5, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

The Scores:

First Game:

UST (84) – Pastrana 21, Tacatac 20, Sierba 11, Relliquette 6, Soriano 5, Santos 4, Maglupay 4, Ambos 4, Pineda 3, Dionisio 2, Bron 2, N. Danganan 2, Pescador 0, Amalong 0, Serrano 0, Lopez 0.

UP (60) – Pesquera 20, Ozar 14, Bariquit 14, Maw 4, Tapawan 3, Barba 3, Jimenez 2, Sauz 0, Vingno 0, Solitario 0, Quinquinio 0, Lozada 0.

Quarter Scores: 26-16, 44-27, 59-53, 84-60.

Second Game:

Ateneo (90) – Dela Rosa 19, Calago 15, Makanjoula 14, Oani 13, Cancio 7, Villacruz 6, Cruza 4, Eufemanio 3, Fetalvero 3, Nieves 2, Aquirre 2, Olivenza 1, Angala 1, Batongbakal 0, Lopez 0, Salgado 0.

UE (62) – Ganade 15, Kone 10, Lacayanga 9, Ronquillo 8, Ruiz 8, Buscar 4, Cruz 4, Gomez 3, Yanes 1, Vacalares 0, Delig 0.

Quarter Scores: 15-15, 50-27, 67-43, 90-62