UAAP: UST stays unbeaten, rolls past La Salle for ninth straight win

University of Santo Tomas‘ Brigette Santos against De La Salle University in UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball. UAAP Media.
MANILA — Defending champion University of Santo Tomas overwhelmed De La Salle University, 97-74, to remain unbeaten in UAAP Season 89 women’s basketball on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

With their ninth consecutive victory, the Growling Tigresses strengthened their Final Four bid and remained atop the standings with a spotless 9-0 record.

“I told them that we were shooting poorly sa three-point shots natin. Pero I told the girls, just keep shooting basta libre. At least naakyat namin yun sa 13,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.

With both teams shooting just 30 percent from the field in the first half, UST found its rhythm from beyond the arc to create some separation.

The Growling Tigresses knocked down five triples to establish a 43-30 halftime lead, while the Lady Archers struggled to convert from deep.

UST continued to exploit gaps in La Salle’s zone defense after the break, stretching its advantage to as many as 28 points, 92-64, in the fourth quarter.

Defensively, the Growling Tigresses also limited the Lady Archers’ scoring opportunities, finishing with nearly 50 more field goal attempts than their opponents while forcing 23 turnovers.

“I had to be consistent and lead para sa mga bata. Kailangan na rin talaga kami magtulungan as a team and sa depensa,” said Brigette Santos, who finished with 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

Oma Onianwa posted a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Karylle Sierba contributed 17 points, five rebounds, and three steals.

Erinn McAlary chipped in 10 points and three rebounds.

The Growling Tigresses will next face the upstart FEU Lady Tamaraws on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the same venue.

La Salle, meanwhile, dropped to 1-8 following its seventh consecutive defeat, leaving the Lady Archers at the bottom of the standings, at least momentarily.

Marga Dueñas paced DLSU with 18 points and four rebounds, while Kyla Go recorded 17 points, five assists, and two steals.

Bukky Ojo narrowly missed a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds.

The Lady Archers will look to bounce back on Sunday when they take on the NU Lady Bulldogs at noon at the same venue.

UST 97 — Santos 20, Sierba 17, Onianwa 14, McAlary 10, Ambos 9, Relliquette 7, Bron 4, Boteros 4, Maglupay 4, Dajao 3, Tate 3, C. Danganan 2, Pescador 0, Wenceslao 0, K. Danganan 0.

La Salle 74 — Dueñas 18, Go 17, Ojo 17, Lubrico 8, A. Dizon 8, Delos Reyes 6, Evangelio 0, Villapando 0, Bacierto 0, Sunga 0, S. Dizon 0, Teves 0.

Quarterscores: 23-15, 43-30, 67-53, 97-74.