THE UST Growling Tigresses wrapped up their UAAP Season 87 women’s 3×3 basketball campaign with bronze after a tight 15-14 victory over the UP Lady Fighting Maroons on Sunday, May 4, at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.
Seeking their third straight title, the Tigresses swept the eliminations with a clean 7-0 slate before being derailed by the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the semifinals—their sole loss in the tournament.
CJ Maglupay scored seven points and a block, steering the Tigresses to their sixth straight podium finish.
UST tipped off the match with layups from Maglupay and Eka Soriano to get an early 2-0 edge. UP quickly retaliated as baskets from Louna Ozar and Kaye Pesquera overtook the lead, 4-3.
A Christie Bariquit three-pointer, followed by an Achrissa Maw bucket, gave the Maroons a 10-8 advantage halfway through the match. However, the Tigresses built a 4-0 run capped off by a layup from Maglupay to go in front, 12-10.
Tigress star Kent Pastrana sank a clutch free throw in the dying seconds to seal the victory.
Pastrana and Eka Soriano contributed five and three points, respectively, for the Tigresses.
On the losing side, Ozar led the Maroons with five markers.
UST point guard Karylle Sierba bagged the tournament’s Rookie of the Year award after averaging 3.6 points, 1.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds in the elimination round.
Meanwhile, the Junior Growling Tigresses took down the NUNS Lady Bullpups, 14-13, to raise the girls’ division crown.
Barby Dajao seized the MVP award, dialling in four points and two assists en route to her team’s second title of the season. F
