University of Santo Tomas held off a late comeback attempt to hand host Ateneo de Manila University its first loss, 75-66, and remain the lone undefeated team in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament on Saturday at the Blue Eagle Gym.
The Growling Tigresses trailed 35-41 at halftime but flipped the script in the third quarter, outscoring the Blue Eagles 21-7 behind Kent Pastrana’s nine points.
Ateneo, fueled by Camille Malagar and Erica de Luna, fought back to within 64-68 with three minutes remaining.
However, Pastrana and Eka Soriano drilled seven straight points to extend UST’s lead to 75-64 with just 1:14 left on the clock.
“It’s all the heart of the girls na hindi sila nademoralize nung first half even we very questionable calls sa amin nung first half. They took out Oma (Onianwa) in the first quarter with two quick fouls,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
The Growling Tigresses’ win completed a UST division sweep over Ateneo, following earlier victories by the Tiger Cubs (83-74) and the Growling Tigers (98-89, 3OT).
UST improved to 4-0, while Ateneo dropped to 4-1, sitting solo second.
Pastrana finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals, while Karylle Sierba contributed 12 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Brigette Santos also made a strong impact with 10 points, eight steals, five assists, and four rebounds.
UST will next face Far Eastern University on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena, while Ateneo looks to bounce back against defending champion National University next Saturday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Malagar led the Blue Eagles with 12 points and seven rebounds but committed seven turnovers, while Sarah Makanjuola added 11 points and 10 rebounds.
UST, meanwhile, successfully limited back-to-back MVP Kacey Dela Rosa to a season-low six points on 2-of-7 shooting from the field. She still grabbed nine rebounds and recorded two blocks.
Ateneo had controlled parts of the first half, leading by as much as 11 points, 41-30, before UST turned the game around in the third quarter.
