UAAP: Unbeaten UST clinches Final 4 spot by crushing FEU

MANILA — Defending champion University of Santo Tomas is the first team to clinch a Final 4 berth in the UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball tournament after a comfortable 95-48 win over Far Eastern University, Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The victory secured the Growling Tigresses’ eighth consecutive Final Four appearance, dating back to Season 80 in 2017.

They now have a 10-0 record, further strengthening their hold on the top spot in the league standings. 

They got the job done even without head coach Haydee Ong, who is serving a one-game suspension. 

“We’re not quite there yet, still a working progress, but slowly we’re reaping some of the seeds that we’ve already planted,” said assistant coach Sen Dysangco.

Behind a monster first half from Oma Onianwa, the Tigresses took control early and built a commanding lead. The Nigerian big finished the opening half with 23 points alone, powering UST to a 53-27 advantage after her layup with 1:19 remaining in the second quarter.

The Tigresses showed no signs of slowing down after the break, continuing to pile on the points and eventually stretching their lead to 47. A free throw from Grachelle Boteros with 40 seconds left put the finishing touches on the 95-48 rout.

Onianwa finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and two steals. Karylle Sierba added 13 points off the bench, while Brig Santos chipped in 12.

UST looks to extend its winning streak when it takes on University of the East on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Big Dome.

Victoria Pasilang paced FEU with 20 points and nine rebounds, while Amyah Espanol contributed 13 points.

The Lady Tamaraws fell to 6-5 but remained in fourth place in the standings.

FEU will look to bounce back against University of the Philippines on Saturday at 12 p.m.

UST (95) – Onianwa 25, Sierba 13, Santos 12, Maglupay 9, Boteros 9, Pescador 7, C. Danganan 7, Ambos 6, Dajao 3, McAlary 2, Wemceslao 2, Bron 0, Relliquette 0, K. Danganan 0, Tate 0

FEU (48) – Pasilang 20, Espanol 13, Patio 10, Lopez 3, Dela Torre 2, Ellorimo 0, Manguiat 0, Gavaran 0, Agcambot 0, Quinte 0, Escarez 0, Salvani 0, Peje 0, Kant 0

Quarterscores: 34-12, 53-29, 76-39, 95-48