THE UST Growling Tigresses secured a spot in the final four after pulverizing the UE Lady Warriors with a whopping 49-point advantage, 103-54, in the second round of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tigresses delivered a statement victory against the Lady Warriors after falling to the NU Lady Bulldogs by a single-point, 77-76, in a wire-to-wire overtime matchup last Nov. 5.
UST started off red-hot in the first period of action, sparking a 9-0 rally led by Agatha Bron, Brigette Santos, Rocel Dionisio and Kent Pastrana.
UE only responded with a single triple, allowing the Tigresses to continue their scoring barrage and end the quarter with a 14-point advantage, 26-12.
The second frame kicked off with a full-force offensive bag from Tigresses Santos and Pastrana. Lady Warriors Trixie Burgos and Dianne Pedragosa tried to retaliate but the effect was only marginal as UST closed the first half with a 22-point lead, 50-28.
The third quarter was no different for the España-based team, which had a 13-3 run courtesy of Tacky Tacatac, Angelika Soriano, Santos, Bron and Pastrana. UE still could not respond to UST’s intense offense as it suffered from a massive 33-point deficit, 75-42
UST opened the fourth frame with an 8-0 run. Lady Warrior Minslie Paule answered with a 5-0 run through her back-to-back conversion. But the España-based squad countered the attack and put on the finishing touches, ending the game with a 20-7 run.
Most valuable player candidate Pastrana anchored UST, tallying a game-high 17 points with six rebounds and two assists. Sophomore Santos poured in a 16-piece, three dimes and four steals.
Lady Warrior Kat Ruiz dropped 16 markers, four boards, and one assist. Minslie Paule recorded 10 points, two glasses and one dime.
The win secured the Tigresses’ ticket to the final four and improved their win-loss record to 8-3. UE sustained its 11th consecutive loss in the league, 0-11.
The UST Growling Tigresses will square off with the recently eliminated Adamson Lady Falcons on Nov. 12 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
