THE UST Growling Tigresses obtained the second Final Four slot after overpowering the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 70-54, in the second round of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday, Oct. 27, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST maintained its hold on the second seed with a 9-1 record, while FEU remained sixth with a 2-6 slate.
Both squads went back-and-forth as they opened the match, with Yvette Villanueva hitting two consecutive baskets to put the Lady Tamaraws on top, 7-4.
A basket from UST forward CJ Maglupay capped an 11-6 blitz to close the first frame with a slim 16-13 lead.
In the second salvo, Tigress Kent Pastrana fueled a 16-2 barrage to get a 13-point advantage, 32-15.
Villanueva fired a triple to revive FEU but Tigress veteran Tacky Tacatac responded with a left-corner three to end the first half with a 17-point cushion, 41-24.
The España-based squad continued to control the game in the third chapter with both guards Eka Soriano and guard Brigette Santos hitting from beyond the arc, 47-24.
The Morayta squad tried to stay afloat but two triples from Tacatac kept the margin wide, 60-36.
Midway through the fourth, FEU’s Shane Salvani sank a three-pointer to fuel a 7-0 run that cut her team’s deficit to 15 points, 68-53.
But it was not enough to overcome the defending champions as rookie guard Karylle Sierba finished off the game with a layup.
“Those who needed to step up, stepped up… We were [also] able to give some time for the bench (players) to be exposed,” Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said post-game.
Tacatac led UST with 12 points, two assists and three steals. Pastrana recorded a 11-point, 13-rebound double-double, while Rachelle Ambos had 10 markers and 10 boards.
Joan Nagma paced FEU with 11 points and four rebounds while Villanueva had 10 markers and five boards. Salvani contributed eight points and 10 assists.
The Tigresses will seek to exact revenge against Round 1 tormentor NU Lady Bulldogs on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at the same venue. F
