UNIVERSITY of Santo Tomas completed a first round sweep of the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament, turning back the University of the Philippines, 75-61, on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Brigette Santos fired 26 points on 3-of-6 shooting from deep, and six steals, as the Growling Tigresses remained undefeated at 7-0.
Rachelle Ambos chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds, Breana Pineda had seven points, three boards, and two steals, and Coi Danganan grabbed eight of UST's 57 rebounds, as Kent Pastrana was happy to share the spotlight with her peers, while still ending up with two points, five boards, five assists, and three steals.
The win, however, still didn't come as flawless, as the Growling Tigresses allowed the Fighting Maroons to fight back from a 25-point lead, 52-27, and uncorked a 25-point fourth quarter.
"We need to be consistent with our games. We cannot play for just two or three quarters and not perform on other quarters because in the fourth, UP scored 25 and we scored 17 only. But a win is a win,” said UST coach Haydee Ong, expecting a tougher battle come the second round.
"The second round will be more tough, but we're just happy na may seven wins na kami now. Hopefully, we keep the winning streak, but we need to keep on working hard."
Camille Nolasco paced State U (2-5) with 16 points, six rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the loss.
NU win
Defending champion National U also dominated University of the East, 83-54, as
Karl Ann Pingol fired eight of her 25 points in the Lady Bulldogs' telling 19-6 run to grab a 41-26 halftime lead, as well as 11 rebounds and three steals.
Tin Cayabyab notched 19 points, eight steals, seven assists, and five rebounds, as Angel Surada tallied a double-double of 10 points and 15 boards to help NU claim solo second at 6-1.
Moana Vacalares had 18 points and seven rebounds for the 0-8 Lady Warriors.
La Salle also continued its three-game win streak, nipping Adamson, 53-52, thanks to Kyla Sunga's late defensive stop.
Zyla Lubrico paced the Lady Archers with 12 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, Kyla Go chimed in 11 points, eight boards, three assists, and two steals, and Sunga tallied eight and five to move up to 3-4.
Elaine Etang led the Lady Falcons with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and three steals, as they slid to 2-5.
Ateneo then fended off Far Eastern University, 84-77, for its bounce back win at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Camille Malagar led six Blue Eagles to score in double-figures with 17 points from three triples on top of four rebounds and four assists, while Kacey dela Rosa registered 14 points and 19 boards and Kai Oani and Kate Cancio scored 14 each to end the first round at 5-2.
Shem Abatayo had 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for the Lady Tamaraws who slid to 3-4.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
