MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses secured a commanding 82-67 victory against Discovery Perlas in the inaugural match of the WMPBL at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Manila.
Isioma Onianwa nearly achieved a double-double, contributing 13 points and nine rebounds, along with one assist and one block, earning the Player of the Game honors for the Growling Tigresses.
“It was an incredible game, but I feel I did not perform at my best. However, my teammates and coaches provided constant encouragement, which helped me regain my focus,” Onianwa stated in a post-game interview.
Karylle Sierba led the scoring for the Growling Tigresses with 14 points, including two successful three-point shots, while Ilongga Ana Mae Tacatac and Angelika Soriano each added nine points.
“Okay naman ‘yung performance namin, although I expect a lot more. Siyempre, considered na rin na first game ever, may first game jitters siguro sa players ko, pati sa akin,” UST head coach Ged Austria said.
“Pero always mo titignan, babalikan mo, una ‘yung habits at preparation mo. So ‘pag naisip mo naman na alam mo prepared ka, at saka nag-stick sa values mo, sa habits mo, mas gagaan ‘yong pakiramdam mo, mas kaya.”
Alliana Lim was the standout for Discovery Perlas, finishing with 17 points and nine rebounds, while Camille Sambile contributed 13 points and five rebounds.
In the second match, the Imus Lady Magdalo also began their season on a high note, narrowly defeating the PSP Lady Gymers with a score of 73-70.
Khaterine Cantimbuhan was the top scorer for the Lady Magdalo with 17 points, while Annie Grace Pamaran and Nikka Villanueva added 16 and 15 points, respectively.
For the Lady Gymers, Jeedel Bartolo led with 18 points, followed by Stiffany Larrosa with 15 points, and Queenie Aquino and Fatima Quiapo contributed 12 points each in the defeat./PN
