Tigresses roar to finals

We waited for 13 years for this to happen.

Grace Irebu powered University of Santo Tomas (UST) to its first finals appearance in 13 years following a 76-65 win over Far Eastern University in a do-or-die stepladder clash in Season 82 University Athletic Association of the Philippines women’s basketball tournament.

The Congolese Irebu delivered 28 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks for the Tigresses who reached the finals for the first time since legendary coach Peque Tan led them to the crown of Season 69 in 2006.

With the win, the Tigresses will face the mighty and undefeated National University in the best-of-three finals starting Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“We waited for 13 years for this to happen,” said head coach Haydee Ong, who used to mentor the national women’s basketball team — the Perlas Pilipinas — in major international competitions.

Despite being in control for most part of the first half, 43-21, the Tigresses found themselves in trouble as Valerie Mamaril caught fire, powering the Lady Tamaraws to a searing rally that cut the lead to only five, 65-70, in the final 2:20 mark of the game.

But UST played airtight defense with Eka Soriano intercepting Choy Bahuyan’s pass to Fatima Quiapo in the crucial stretch to regain control.

Then, Soriano and Irebu swished their charities to seal the victory.

“The program has no shortcut. You have to hard work for it,” Ong said.

“This is a tribute to the Thomasian community and to everyone who supported us along the way.”

Mamaril fired 23 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals for the Lady Tamaraws.