UAAP: Tigresses hold off Maroons for first round sweep

MANILA — Defending champion University of Santo Tomas passed its toughest test so far, holding off the University of the Philippines, 75-66, to complete a first-round sweep of the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday.

The Growling Tigresses’ triumph at the Blue Eagle Gym gave them a 7-0 record after the first round of eliminations, boosting their bid for a third straight crown.

“Sabi ko nga, the six wins will not be meaningful if we don’t show up today. So the girls showed up today. Kudos to them, they didn’t give up even when we were down at halftime,” said head coach Haydee Ong.

For the first time this season, the Growling Tigresses found themselves trailing at halftime after the Fighting Maroons built an early nine-point advantage in the first quarter. UP fended off UST’s comeback attempts behind Kennan Ka’s 18-point first-half explosion to carry a 36-34 lead into the break.

The Tigresses rediscovered its rhythm in the third quarter, reclaiming the lead three minutes into the second half on a Karylle Sierba layup. They would outscore UP 23-12 in the pivotal period to seize control of the contest.

UST continued to withstand UP’s spirited runs in the fourth quarter, with Brig Santos scoring seven consecutive points to help the defending champions maintain a 73-61 advantage with 2:37 remaining.

The Fighting Maroons made one last push, scoring five straight points, but UST remained composed, and Erinn McAlary’s layup ultimately put the game out of reach.

The Growling Tigresses drew balanced contributions from across the roster, led by McAlary, who posted a double-double with a career-high 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Sierba paced UST in scoring with 18 points, while Santos contributed 14 points, seven rebounds, and four steals. Nigerian foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, and three blocks.

The Growling Tigresses also tightened their defensive coverage on Ka, limiting her to just four points in the second half.

Meanwhile, the Fighting Maroons fell to 4-3, joining the FEU Lady Tamaraws and Adamson Lady Falcons in a three-way tie for third place.

Ka finished with 22 points and five rebounds, while Louna Ozar tallied 13 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Camille Nolasco added 12 points and three assists in the losing effort.

The two teams will meet again for an immediate rematch to open the second round on Wednesday, October 28, at 10 a.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

UST 75 – Sierba 18, McAlary 16, Santos 14, Onianwa 11, Danganan 4, Maglupay 4, Bron 3, Relliquette 3, Dajao 2, Pescador 0, Tate 0, Boteros 0.

UP 66 – Ka 22, Ozar 13, Nolasco 12, Francis 8, Maw 4, Cunanan 3, Vingno 2, Tapawan 2, Pesquera 0, Abrams 0, Loon 0, Mejasco 0.

Quarterscores: 18-18, 34-36, 57-48, 75-66.