UAAP: UST Tigresses back to women’s caging finals

Players from the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws scramble for the loose ball. VARSITARIAN PHOTO
Players from the University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses and Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws scramble for the loose ball. VARSITARIAN PHOTO

MANILA — University of Santo Tomas Golden Tigresses are back in the finals following a 76-65 victory over Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws in a do-or-die semifinals of the UAAP Season 82 Women’s Basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

MVP awardee Grace Irebu powered the Golden Tigresses with 28 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

Lon Rivera unfurled 13 points and five boards for the Golden Tigresses, which will face defending champions National University Lady Bulldogs in the finals starting on Wednesday.

This is UST’s first UAAP finals appearance in 13 years.

The victory was not a walk in a park for the Golden Tigresses. They have to survive a huge rally from the Lady Tamaraws, which cut UST’s 43-21 halftime lead down to 70-65.

Defense, though, was the key for the Golden Tigresses, holding off that rally highlighted by Eka Soriano’s crucial steal on Choy Bahuyan’s pass to Fatima Quiapo in the final minute.

“The program has no shortcut. You have to work for it, and finally, we’re in the Finals,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong. “This is a tribute to the Thomasian community and to everyone who supported us along the way.”

Valerie Mamaril topscored for FEU with 23 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Clare Castro ended her collegiate career with nine points, six rebounds, and two blocks./PN

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