Growling Tigresses pick apart Lady Warriors, force do-or-die
The UST Growling Tigresses prevailed over second-seed University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 63-53, in the semi-finals of the UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena Wednesday.
Anjel Anies grabbed UST’s first lead with a three-point shot, 9-7, and spearheaded an 11-2 run that gave the Tigresses an eight-point lead by the end of the first quarter, 17-9.
UST sparked a 14-4 run midway through the second canto with two treys by Anies, extending their lead to as much as 18 points, 31-13.
UST’s Sai Larosa with a lay-up as Gayacao [middle] and Ramos [right] watch. Photo by Joaqui Flores of the Tiebreaker Times.
The Lady Warriors chased the Tigresses throughout the second half, cutting UST’s lead down to as much as six points during the payoff period, 59-53, to no avail.
“[We need] to minimize fouling,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said.
Anjel Anies’ game-high 21 points and Jhenn Angeles’ double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds sealed the game in favor of UST.
Ruthlaine Tacula led the Lady Warriors with 14 points and 7 rebounds, while Love Sto. Domingo chipped in a double-double of 12 markers and 12 boards.
“I think we’re used to it. We played two do-or-die and we’ve survived it and I just hope the girls will pull it through another do-or-die on Saturday to go against NU on the finals,” Ong said.
The Tigresses have forced another do-or-die match against UE on Nov. 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Box scores:
UST 63 — Anies 21, Angeles 12, Larosa 12, Jerez 10, Gandalla 6, Aujero 1, Capilit 1, Sanggalang 0, Portillo 0, Peñaflor 0, Rivera 0, Isanan 0, Magat 0
UE 53 — Tacula 14, Sto. Domingo 12, Requiron 11, Chan 5, Gayacao 4, Cortizano 4, Ramos 3, Francisco 0, Antonio 0
Quarter scores:
17-9, 33-21, 47-35, 63-53