MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses inched closer to a first-round sweep in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament after obliterating the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws, 104-66, behind another steady all-around showing from Negrense standout Kent Jane Pastrana.
Pastrana spearheaded UST’s defensive onslaught and offensive rhythm with 15 points and four assists, setting the tone for the Tigresses’ fifth straight victory that kept their spotless record intact.
UST immediately seized control of the game, racing to a 33-20 advantage in the opening quarter and widening the gap to 57-37 by halftime.
Their swarming full-court defense and sharp ball movement overwhelmed FEU, forcing multiple turnovers that translated into fast-break points. The Tigresses shot an efficient 50 percent from the field (38-of-76).
Head coach Haydee Ong lauded her players’ discipline in executing the game plan against an opponent that had just come off an impressive win.
“I told the girls that it was a very good game of FEU against UP so we needed to prepare for them because that’s the best game of the season for FEU. We prepared a game plan and nasunod naman ng buong team, so we’re happy for the win,” Ong said.
The win also held sentimental value for Ong, who coached against her former Discovery Perlas player, Raiza Palmera-Dy, now leading FEU’s program.
Karylle Sierba paced UST with 21 points and four rebounds, while Gin Relliquette added 14 markers and CJ Maglupay nearly posted a double-double with 11 points, eight rebounds, four steals, two assists, and a block.
The Tigresses (5-0) are now just one win away from sweeping the first round, with matches left against Adamson University and the University of the Philippines.
FEU dropped to 2-3, tying Adamson and UP for fourth place. Amyah Espanol led the Lady Tamaraws with 18 points and nine boards, while MJ Manguiat added 11.
Team leader Shemaiah Abatayo struggled offensively, finishing with only seven points on 2-of-9 shooting but still managed seven assists and four rebounds./PN
