University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses made an emphatic start to its UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball title defense, overwhelming the University of the East Lady Warriors, 103-58, on Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Growling Tigresses quickly shook off an initially tight contest and took control behind a 17-6 finishing run in the opening quarter, turning a 16-14 lead into a 33-20 advantage.
UST continued to dictate the tempo on both ends of the floor, holding UE scoreless for nearly four minutes during one stretch of the second period before taking a 56-35 lead into halftime.
The defending champions then tightened the screws defensively after the break, outscoring the Lady Warriors, 27-14, in the third quarter. UST eventually entered the final period with a commanding 83-49 cushion before breaking the 100-point barrier on a layup by Dajao.
Head coach Haydee Ong credited the entire roster for the convincing opening-day performance, particularly the players who stepped into bigger roles following the departure of key contributors.
“Siyempre first game there were jitters noong first half then during the second half, that was the time the girls settled down and ‘yong defense and offense were a much better flow,” Ong said. “It was a team effort, everybody contributed, especially ‘yong mga rookies.”
Brigette Santos led the way for UST with 18 points, four rebounds and two steals in her final season with the Growling Tigresses.
Sophomore Erinn McAlary also made an immediate impact while taking on a larger role following the departure of Kent Pastrana. McAlary posted a career-best 14 points, five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and 22 seconds.
Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay added 10 points each as UST spread the scoring throughout the lineup.
Sy Onate paced the Lady Warriors with 16 points, while Rachel Lacayanga recorded a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. UE also got eight points from Lumibao and seven from Buscar.
UST will have to navigate Season 89 without Filipina-American Kayla Williams, who was ruled ineligible by the UAAP after previously playing five collegiate seasons in the United States. The school is set to appeal the decision. (Adrian Co)
