UST plucks 2nd straight victory

University of Santo Tomas (UST) overpowered Adamson University, 83-65, to capture its second straight win in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

With the win, the Growling Tigresses improved to 2-0 ahead of their rivalry clash against National University and extended their elimination-round winning streak to 19, dating back to Season 87 in 2024. Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons dropped to 0-2.

Karylle Sierba paced UST with 20 points and three steals, followed by Coi Danganan with 15 points and four rebounds. Agatha Bron chipped in 13 points for the Growling Tigresses.

“In today’s game, we didn’t really play the pace that we wanted, which is ‘yung pace na faster,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said.

“We changed our defense in the second half, and I think Adamson had a hard time against our zone defense... but we’ll go back to the drawing board, see our mistakes, and correct them."

Adamson gave the defending champions a fight in the opening half, keeping the Growling Tigresses within striking distance as Brianna Bajo and Danganan traded three-pointers before UST took a 44-36 lead into the break.

The Growling Tigresses began to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring Adamson, 23-16, to build a 15-point cushion heading into the final frame, 67-52.

UST then turned up the pressure defensively, holding the Lady Falcons scoreless for nearly three minutes as Brig Santos knocked down a midrange jumper to stretch the Growling Tigresses’ lead to 19, 71-52.

The Tigresses kept Adamson at bay throughout the final frame, with Oma Oniawa’s free throw putting the game further out of reach with over two minutes remaining as UST cruised to the victory.

“We just need to be more consistent with our effort. Our defense and offense weren't consistent," Danganan said. "As Coach Haydee told us, 'Match their pace, because that's not our pace.' So next game, we'll do our best to get our pace back."

UST did not fully impose its preferred fast-paced game, finishing with 16 fastbreak points against Adamson’s five. The Growling Tigresses also committed 25 turnovers, but the Lady Falcons were even more errant with 29.

Cheska Apag led Adamson with 19 points and three steals, while Elaine Etang added 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists.