UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas trounced last year's runner up Far Eastern University, 65-58, for a winning start in the UAAP Season 78 women's basketball tournament Sunday at the Blue Eagle gym.
Candice Magdaluyo and Jhenn Angeles combined for 33 markers as the Tigresses earned some sort of revenge after losing to the Lady Tamaraws in the first step-ladder match last season.
Angel Arellado finished with 16 points to lead FEU, losing finalists to National University last year.
The Lady Bulldogs won the title behind a remarkable 16-0 sweep.
In other games, University of the East stunned Ateneo, 43-29, while Joy Cochico fired 13 points as Adamson tripped University of the Philippines, 62-53.
Ruthlaine Tacula and Eunique Chan tossed in 11 points apiece in the game that saw the Lady Warriors held the Lady Eagles to just seven points in the first half en route to the victory.
Only Jollina Go scored in twin digits for the Lady Eagles with 14 points as last season's Mythical Five member Danica Jose was limited to three points.
Bea Daez topscored for the Lady Maroons with 18 points.
The scores
First Game
AdU (62) - Cochico 13, De Castro 10, Osano 9, Lacson 6, Alcoy 5, Araja 5, Aciro 5, Tacitac 4, Pingol 2, Diaz 2, Ido 0, Tabanao 0, Generoso 0, Camacho 0, Ramillano 0, Escalante 0.
UP (53) - Daez 18, Isip 10, Tatel 7, Rodas 4, Tan 4, Pesquera 4, Medina 2, Oliva 2, Franco 2, Ordoveza 0.
Quarterscores: 15-7; 30-21; 44-38; 62-53.
Second Game
UE (43) - Tacula 11, Chan 11, Ano-os 5, Sto. Domingo 5, Sampaga 4, Francisco 2, Ramos 0, Gayacao 0, Mendina 0, Bale 0, Nama 0.
ADMU (29) - Go 14, Tomita 6, Aseron 4, Jose 3, Guytinco 2, Javier 0.
Quarterscores: 8-5; 21-7; 30-19; 43-29.
Third Game
UST (65) - Magdaluyo 17, Angeles 16, Anies 16, Cortes 8, Felisarta 4, Larosa 2, Isanan 1, Portillo 1, Brillante 0, Penaflor 0, Capilit 0, Pernia 0, Jerez 0.
FEU (58) - Arellado 16, Ventura 9, Hortaleza 9, Ballecer 8, Castro 7, Okunlola 5, Abat 4, Baldonado 0, Adriano 0, Capua 0, Quiapo 0, Payadon 0.
Quarterscores: 19-9; 35-26; 51-39; 65-58.
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