THE UST Growling Tigresses blazed past the UP Fighting Maroons, 104-54, to extend their unblemished record in Round 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
UST dominated the paint, 50-24, to seal their 10th win in a row.
“Every training session, I really try to emphasize their individual and team defense,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said postgame.
The España women limited the Diliman squad to a single digit outing in the first frame, unleashing a 31-8 blitz capped by a basket from UAAP Season 87 girls’ MVP Barby Dajao.
UST was quick to pick up where they left off in the second salvo it mounted a 13-0 barrage led by a personal 6-0 run from Oma Onianwa to widen the gap, 44-9.
The Maroons began their tough climb as Camille Nolasco sank back-to-back treys, 47-26.
However, the Tigresses were quick to answer after back-to-back baskets from Rachelle Ambos secured a 55-27 finish in the first half.
UST continued to step on the gas pedal, outscoring UP, 29-12, in the third quarter to extend the gap, 86-39.
Chille Serrano sank a floater to put the finishing touches for UST.
Tigress captain Kent Pastrana led all scorers with 25 points a 9-of-14 shooting from the field. Ambos added 19 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Nolasco and Maw paced UP in the loss with 17 and 10 markers, respectively.
The Tigresses will seek to extend their dominant streak when they face the FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday, Nov. 9 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. F
