Trigger-happy tigers destroy Blue Eagles

September 11, 2024 | 5:40 p.m.

MANILA, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses rained down three-pointers to completely decimate the Ateneo Blue Eagles 77-54 in UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball on Wednesday afternoon at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The defending champions turned things around and sank 12 three-pointers in the game, sweeping Ateneo and claiming their second consecutive victory.

Kent Pastrana was the Tigresses’ best player with 20 points, eight rebounds, three steals, two assists and a block. Tacky Tacatac contributed 14 points, while Eka Soriano had 12 points, seven dimes and three rebounds.

UST sank six 3-pointers in the first quarter, which set the tone for the entire game.

Ateneo was able to cut its 16-point lead to just five points, 41-46, halfway through the third quarter, but the Espana-based cagers were able to land strong shots and keep the Eagles at bay.

Ateneo trailed by just 13 points at 50-63, but UST won the game completely with an 11-3 run in the fourth period and extended its lead to 19 points (72-53) with about three minutes to go, effectively nullifying any comeback attempt.

Amby Ambos had 10 points, seven rebounds and a steal for UST.

Reigning Most Valuable Player Kacey dela Rosa delivered a solid double-double performance with 22 points and 20 rebounds on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting percentage, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Blue Eagles to victory.

She was the only Ateneo player with double-digit points, while Kailah Oani and Juzine Calago contributed eight each.

“It’s a total team effort. We’re all on the same page,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
“Of course, Ateneo, we have Kacey. So we limit the power as much as possible, but we don’t have 22 points and 20 rebounds. I think we have to try harder in the second round against Ateneo,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Adamson Soaring Falcons also won two games in a row after holding the La Salle Lady Archers winless at the Big Dome this season, 65-54.

Elaine Etang carried the brunt of the effort with 15 points, five rebounds, five steals and two assists. Kat Agojo contributed 12 points.

Lee Sario had 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists for La Salle, which fell to 0-2 on the season.