UST crushes UE by 58; NU prevails

Defending champion University of Santo Tomas (UST) continued its unbeaten run in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 89 women’s basketball tournament with a dominant 106-48 victory over the University of the East on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Head coach Haydee Ong made a triumphant return from her one-game suspension as the Growling Tigresses cruised to their 11th consecutive win, keeping their bid for a sweep of the double-round elimination phase firmly on track.

“It’s still a team effort. We take pride in our defense every time we play. Getting ready for another game on Sunday so it’s still one game at a time for us,” said Ong after her first game back with UST.

Meanwhile, National University (NU) fended off Adamson University’s late comeback bid to secure an 84-77 victory and return to the win column in the second game.

Following back-to-back losses, including a stunning reversal against De La Salle University last Sunday, the Lady Bulldogs bounced back to improve to 7-4 in the standings.

NU also reclaimed second place, moving ahead of the Lady Falcons, who slipped to third with a 7-5 record.

UST raced to a 26-10 lead in the opening quarter and replicated the same scoreline in the second period to take a commanding 52-20 advantage into halftime.

The Growling Tigresses continued to impose their presence in the paint after the break, scoring at will as every player on their roster saw action.

UE managed just nine points in the final quarter as UST cruised to its 58-point victory.

“No matter who we face, our focus remains strictly on our game plan. We’re not thinking about being undefeated—as long as there’s an opponent across from us, we just stay focused and lock in on a total team effort every game,” said Karylle Sierba, who finished with 21 points, six assists, and three steals.

Oma Onianwa posted a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds, while CJ Maglupay also scored 13 points to go with eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in just 12 minutes of action. Brig Santos chipped in 11 points, six assists, four rebounds, and three steals.

UE dropped to 1-10 following its third consecutive loss.

Rachel Lacayanga was the Lady Warriors’ lone double-digit scorer, matching Sierba’s game-high 21 points while adding seven rebounds and four steals.