MANILA – UST Growling Tigresses secured a remarkable 76-72 win against the NU Lady Bulldogs in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament finals on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana spearheaded the offense with 15 points, while Ilongga Ana Tacatac added 14 markers, with 11 coming in the fourth quarter, for the Growling Tigresses.
Reynalyn Ferrer chipped in a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds, while Brigette Santos and Nikki Villamin contributed 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Growling Tigresses.
With a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three championship series, the Growling Tigresses moved a victory closer to capturing their first UAAP women’s basketball championship since 2006.
“So happy that finally, mayroon kaming panalo against NU, which is most important because this is the championship series. Thank you, sa mga girls; they really worked hard for this until the last second,” said Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.
The last time the Growling Tigresses won over the Lady Bulldogs was on Aug. 31, 2012 — a 74-73 overtime conquest in the second round. After that, UST lost their next 20 encounters with NU.
Villasin, Tacatac, Pastrana, and Santos teamed up for UST to turn a close 62-60 lead to a 73-65 lead, but Aloha Betanio drained a three-pointer while Stef Berberabe drilled three of four free throws to pull NU within two with 1:10 remaining.
Rocel Dionisio then responded for the Growling Tigresses with an open short stab inside off a beautiful dish from Pastrana with 54.6 seconds to go, 75-71. Lady Bulldogs’ Angel Surada split her freebies for a 72-75 score with 19.9 seconds left.
In the next possession, Santos split her free throws for the 76-72 lead of the Growling Tigresses with six seconds left, as Tin Cayabyab missed her shot on the next play for the Lady Bulldogs.
Camille Clarin paced the seven-time defending champions Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, six assists, and five rebounds, while Ilongga Ann Pingol got 11 points and 10 rebounds./PN
