THE UST Growling Tigresses extend their unblemished record in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament to a 10-0 slate after routing the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 95-48, on Sunday, Nov. 5, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Despite playing without head coach Haydee Ong who was suspended after incurring her third technical foul of the season, the Tigresses used a 25-point performance from Foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa to book a return to the Final Four for the eighth straight year.
“Same as everytime… just play within the system and that’s what I did tonight. I didn’t just do it alone, I did it with my teammates,” Onianwa told The Flame.
“More energy, work hard, keep doing the same thing… Whatever way I can contribute to the team, I’m always there,” she added.
Amidst FEU’s offensive production, the España-squad eventually separated themselves from a close opening affair by a layup from Karylle Sierba through contact, 19-10.
The Tigresses continued playing their tunes, as a three from Grachelle Boteros widened their cushion to close the first quarter, 34-12.
The España-squad continued firing on all cylinders in the second salvo, as a three pointer from Jaja Pescador extended UST’s cushion by twenty, 41-21.
Despite the Tamaraws converting four straight points from layups, Foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa converted two baskets of her own to extend UST’s lead entering halftime, 53-29.
The offense continued to pour on UST to kick off the second half, as a three pointer from Barby Dajao punctuated a 25-12 third quarter for the Tigresses.
Despite back-to-back triples from FEU to open the final frame, consecutive baseline jumpers from Rachelle Ambos and Jannah Wenceslao sealed the commanding victory for UST.
Karylle Sierba chipped in 13 points off the bench, while senior guard Brig Santos added 12 markers, four rebounds, and a steal.
Victoria Pasilang paced the Lady Tamaraws in the loss with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Amyah Espanol added 13 points.
The Tigresses will look to keep their record unblemished when they face the UE Lady Warriors on Wednesday, Nov. 11, at the same venue. F
