JUST like the UAAP Men’s Basketball, the Women’s will also feature a rematch, with the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses advancing to the next round and face National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.
The Growling Tigresses eliminated the Adamson University (AdU) Lady Falcons from the postseason, defeating them 71-59 in a step-ladder match on Wednesday.
The España-based squad will meet the undefeated National U in a Best-of-3 Finals series beginning on Sunday, Dec. 8, after overcoming one of their main opponents this season.
Champion’s composure
After blowing a 21-4 lead and seeing the Lady Falcons lead 43-39 at one point in the third quarter, the Growling Tigresses regained momentum for the remainder of the quarter.
UST capitalized on their momentum, as Kent Pastrana knocked down a floater with 8:31 remaining in the game to extend their advantage to 10, 58-48. With 3:45 left, Tacky Tacatac made a three-pointer, extending the lead to 12, 67-55.
With such quality and experience at their disposal, it was more than enough to put a stop to the Lady Falcons’ Cinderella run, which saw them defeat Ateneo de Manila University in overtime last Sunday.
Pastrana paced the squad with 23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and one block. CJ Maglupay added 13 points, 11 rebounds, six steals, and two assists, while Tacatac and Brigette Santos each scored ten points.
“It was a total team effort, and at the end of the day, it was’ yung defense namin in the second [that worked] against Adamson,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong, after avoiding a meltdown against AdU.
Meanwhile, they will defend their title against NU, who stormed through the Season 87 eliminations to secure an outright Finals position. Given NU’s comeback bid, Ong hopes their tram will remain hungry.
“Especially ngayong mag cha-championship kami, we need more adjustments talaga,” said Ong, who mentored a squad that ended the seven-season title reign of NU in Season 86. “We need more work, and we need to work harder for NU.”
The first game of the Best-of-3 Finals will take place on Sunday, December 8, at 1:00 PM at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, followed by a rematch between the DLSU Green Archers and the UP Fighting Maroons.
