Photo by Lhiera Nicole Trinidad/ THE FLAME
THE UST Growling Tigresses extended their dominance with a 75-point annihilation of the UE Lady Warriors by 75 points, 125-50, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Team captain Kent Patsrana erupted for a career-high 35 points alongside 12 boards and five steals, powering the Tigresses to a perfect 11-0 record.
“I still need to improve my defense because my offense will come naturally… I can use it as motivation because I’ve already been getting my momentum as the leader [of the team], ” Pastrana told The Flame.
“We’re never complacent, regardless of our opponent… we always focus on who we’re up against. We’ll also continue to improve where we can as a team as we head into the Final Four,” she added.
UST foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa had 12 points and five rebounds, while Coi Danganan, Karylle Sierba and Rachelle Ambos scored 11 markers apiece.
The España-based squad pounced right out of the gate as Pastarana scored 10 points in the first frame, 33-15.
Sierba, Brigette Santos and Pastrana continued to light the floor up for the Tigresses as they inflated their lead to 41 points, 70-28.
UE was limited to just nine points in the third period as UST locked down on the defensive end, 97-38.
The Tigresses kept their foot on the gas as they were in cruise control through the last 10 minutes, handing the Lady Red Warriors their 12th straight defeat.
“Of course, I’m very proud of our players… we just want to carry on with our momentum going into the [Final Four],” UST assistant coach Ged Austria said postgame.
“As we all know, the game last weekend was cancelled, so the girls were excited to really play basketball. So we just want to continue and carry on with our momentum, especially since our next two opponents are Ateneo and NU,” he added
Syvil Oñate paced the Lady Warriors with 20 points built on 4-of-10 shooting, while Rachel Lacayanga finished the game with 18 points.
The league-best Tigresses are set to take on the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Araneta Coliseum. F
