UST secures semifinal berth vs FEU
University of Santo Tomas booked its second semifinals ticket in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament with a commanding 70-54 win over Far Eastern University on Sunday, October 28, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Tacky Tacatac led the charge for the Growling Tigresses with 12 points built from the 4-of-12 shooting beyond the arc, three steals, two rebounds, and two assists.
The Season 86 defending champions turned a narrow 23-16 advantage in the first quarter into a commanding 17-point lead at halftime, 41-24, courtesy of a powerful 25-11 performance in the second period.
From that point on, the Growling Tigresses went on to dominate the third quarter and establish an unbeatable 24-point cushion, 60-36, going into the final frame of the game.
"We played according to our game plan. The easy baskets for FEU, our turnovers need to be addressed, but overall, we're happy for the win," said UST head coach Haydee Ong. "Those who should step up, stepped up, and we gave some time for the players on the bench to be exposed."
UST increased their lead to as many as 26 points when Rachel Ambos scored inside to give the Tigresses a 64-38 advantage in the fourth quarter. Ambos recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Kent Pastrana tallied 11 markers, 13 boards, three dimes, and one deflection, while Karylle Sierba chipped in nine points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The Growling Tigresses will put their six-game winning run to the test when they face the National University Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, November 6, at the same venue in Pasay.
Meanwhile, Joann Nagma paced the Lady Tamaraws with 11 markers and four boards, while Yvette Villanueva added 10 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
Shane Silvani and Victoria Pasilang also contributed eight points apiece in the losing cause.
FEU will aim to return to their winning ways in a match against University of the East on Sunday, November 3, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
The Scores:
UST (70) – Tacatac 12, Pastrana 11, Ambos 10, Sierba 9, Maglupay 8, Santos 8, Pescador 5, N. Danganan 4, Soriano 3, Relliquette 0, Pineda 0, Serrano 0, Amatong 0, Bron 0.
FEU (54) – Nagma 11, Villanueva 10, Salvani 8, Pasilang 8, Lopez 7, Ong 3, Manguiat 3, Dela Torre 3, Paras 1.
Quarter Scores: 16-13, 41-24, 60-36, 70-54.
