THE UST Growling Tigresses completed a first-round sweep after defeating the UP Fighting Maroons, 75-66, in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The España squad closed the first round with a 7-0 win-loss record, remaining the tournament’s only undefeated team.
Karylle Sierba led UST with 18 points on 61.5% field-goal shooting, while Erinn McAlary added 16 points.
UST struggled to find its rhythm in the opening quarter as UP’s defensive stops, capped by a three-pointer from Kennan Ka, gave the Lady Maroons an early 10-4 lead.
Sierba sparked the Tigresses’ comeback with back-to-back triples to knot the score at 18-all heading into the second quarter.
The UST guard opened the next frame with a layup to give her side a 20-18 lead as the Tigresses looked to sustain their momentum.
Both teams traded baskets before contributions from Oma Onianwa, Kai Danganan and Sierba helped UST maintain a 27-24 advantage.
However, UP closed the first half with an 8-2 run to seize the lead, 36-34, at the break.
Sierba regained the lead for UST early in the third quarter, converting two consecutive steals into a layup to put the Tigresses ahead, 43-41.
Onianwa followed with a floater as UST continued to build its advantage, extending the lead to 47-44.
The Lady Maroons mounted another challenge in the fourth quarter, opening the frame with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to one, 57-56.
UST responded with consecutive baskets from Bridgett Santos and Onianwa to stretch its lead to 61-56.
Santos then took charge inside the paint, scoring seven straight points to help the Tigresses pull away in the closing minutes and secure the 75-66 victory.
The Growling Tigresses will open their second-round campaign against the Lady Maroons on Wednesday, Oct. 28, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. F
