THE UST Growling Tigresses proved their championship mettle after flexing their firepower to secure their first win in the UAAP Season 87 at the expense of the UE Lady Red Warriors, 86-44, on Sunday, Sept. 7.
The Tigresses led the game by as much as 28 points to start their title defense bid in the women’s basketball tournament at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UST established a 4-0 start with a paint basket from guard Breana Pineda and forward Rachel Ambos. UE, led by Rachel Lacayanga, quickly responded to narrow the gap, 6-4.
Lady Warrior Aliyah Ronquillo tied the game at 13-all before Tigress guard Rachelle Ambos closed the first quarter with a paint shot, 15-13.
The España-based squad capitalized on the Recto squad’s turnovers, dominating the second quarter with 26 points over the latter’s 10 points.
Ambos and rookie Karylle Sierba stretched UST’s lead to 17 by the end of the halftime, 41-24.
The Tigresses’ momentum continued in the third frame as they unleashed a barrage of baskets led by Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana, 58-32.
Sierba and former MVP Eka Soriano joined the party by running the fast breaks, propelling UST to a commanding 60-32 lead in the third quarter.
The defending champions maintained their dominance in the fourth quarter with captain Tacky Tacatac and Pastrana leading the charge, 86-44.
The former junior Tigress Sierba made a notable debut for the senior team, contributing 18 points, three assists and three steals. Pastrana added 15 points and seven assists, while Ambos chipped in with 13 points and eight steals.
Lady Warrior Lacayanga was the sole double-digit scorer for her team with 11 points and three steals.
The Growling Tigresses will face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. F – Mc Neil Zyh Serrano
