Tigresses win third straight

By Donjie Carreon Posted Aug 24th 2013

The University of Sto. Tomas blew a huge lead in the fourth quarter against the Ateneo de Manila University, but recovered in time for a 63-60 win, its third-straight in the second round of the UAAP Season 76 women’s basketball tournament on Saturday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tigresses appeared on their way to an easy victory as they built a 47-32 lead halfway through the third period on a lay up by Kelly Salvador. But the Lady Eagles went on a 23-6 blast bridging the third and fourth quarters to grab the lead behind Kat Nunez, who scored nine straight to open the last period.

The Tigresses recovered from the haymaker with a 9-2 run, finished by a transition basket by Lore Rivera. Ateneo’s Denise Belarmino would hit a three from the left elbow to get within 62-60 with less than minute left. Ateneo still had a chance to extend the game after Sofia Felisarta split her free throw, but the Lady Eagles repeatedly missed from long range.

UST coach Chris Cantonjos told his team to go back to their game plan off going for offensive rebounds and communicate on defense to survive Ateneo’s push.

“Nagkaron lang ng problema sa depensa kaya nakawal si Nunez…. Sabi ko saying naman yung effort natin sa FEU kung matatalo tayo ngayon," he said

Kim Reyes led UST with 16 points but it was Rivera’s energetic play that again anchored the Tigresses. Rivera had 15 points and combined with Sofia Felisarta for 25 rebounds, including 17 offensive boards.

The duo’s inspired play helped UST outrebound the much taller Ateneo squad, 60-55, and gave the Tigrresses a 22-4 edge on second chance points. This also helped them overcome the low output of primary option Maica Cortes, who was limited to just eight points as she struggled against the taller Danica Jose. Nunez had a  game-high 21 points.

UST improved to 6-4 to remain in the hunt for a playoff spot, while Ateneo remained winless in nine games.

In the first game, the University of the Philippines improved to 5-5 after defeating University of the East, 46-37.

The Scores

First Game

UP 46- Daez 15, Topacio 8, Wong 6, Tatel 5, Furagganan 4, Aurellado 4, Salapong 2, Luna 2

UE 37- Ventura 9, Domino 8, Valdez 5, Doqueza 5, Bale 5, Sto. Domingo 2, Mendina 2, Tacula 1

Second Game

UST 63-  Reyes 16, Rivera 15, Felisarta 9, Mejia 8, Cortes 8, Ong 4, Salvador 3,

ADMU- Nunez 21, Jose 9, Buuendia 6, Bo-ot 6, Belarmino 5, Uy de Ong 5, Posadas 4, Nitoreda 2, Deacon 2, Javier 1

Quarter Scores: 17-17, 33-26, 49-42, 63-60