by SHAYNE LEE MACARAEG
The UST Growling Tigresses prove their consistent prowess after an overwhelming 63-point victory, 107-44, over the UE Lady Warriors in the first round of UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament.
UST holds the second best record as it improved to 4-1 win-loss card. UE is still winless with a 0-5 record.
Tigresses’ Tacky Tacatac led all scorers with 27 points as she grabbed four rebounds along with three steals on Sunday, Oct. 16 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After a close opening quarter with UE only trailing by three points, 18-15, it was a wrecking job for the rest of the game after the Tigresses adjusted their defensive scheme, closing the first half with a huge lead, 52-26.
The Lady Warriors were unable to find answers to the Tigresses’ suffocating defense-to-offense conversion, as they committed a whopping 50 turnovers, which is more than their total points in the whole regulation.
Eka Soriano stuffed the stat sheet for UST with 20 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and eight steals. Brigette Santos had 12 points with six steals, and Rachol Ambos had 12 points with 11 rebounds, while Nikki Villasin scored 11 points with four steals.
For UE, Pauline Anastacio, Althea Lorena, Claire Sajol, and Kamba Kone had eight points each.
The Tigresses will seek to continue their winning streak against the FEU Tamaraws on Oct. 19 at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion. F
