University of Santo Tomas (UST) opened its title defense in emphatic fashion, demolishing University of the East (UE), 103-58, to officially kick off its University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Moving on from mainstays Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, the Growling Tigresses picked up right where they left off after an undefeated elimination-round campaign last season, eventually getting their revenge against National University in the finals to secure their second title in three years.

“Of course, there were first-game jitters in the first half, but during the second half, that was when the girls settled down, and both our defense and offense flowed much better,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said. 

“It was a team effort, and everybody contributed, especially the rookies.”

UST was still feeling its way early, holding just a 16-14 lead midway through the opening quarter before uncorking a 17-6 run to close the frame and build a 33-20 advantage.

The defending champions held the Lady Warriors scoreless for nearly four minutes before Vacalares split her free throws to cut the deficit to 20, 41-21.

The Growling Tigresses’ stifling defense proved too much for UE to handle as UST outscored the Lady Warriors, 27-14, in the third quarter, stretching its lead to as many as 34 points before entering the final frame with a commanding 83-49 cushion.

UST’s lead proved insurmountable as UE could not mount a comeback, with Dajao’s layup allowing the Growling Tigresses to hit the century mark and cruise to victory.

Brig Santos, who is in her final year with UST, finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while sophomore Erinn McAlary, filling the huge void left by Pastrana, scored a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and 22 seconds of action.

Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay rounded out the Tigresses’ balanced offensive attack with 10 points apiece.

For UE, Sy Onate led the team with 16 points, followed by Rachel Lacayanga, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

The Growling Tigresses dominated the boards, grabbing 62 rebounds, including 30 on the offensive end, while converting those extra possessions into 29 second-chance points.

UST’s bench also took over, outscoring UE’s reserves, 72-33.

The Growling Tigresses will also be without Kayla Williams for the entire Season 89 campaign after the league deemed the former United States NCAA forward ineligible for having already played five years of collegiate basketball in the United States. UST, however, intends to appeal the ruling.