University of Santo Tomas overcame the absence of head coach Haydee Ong to defeat Ateneo, 92-79, securing a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball Final 4 at Araneta Coliseum. Ong served a one-game suspension, with lead assistant Sen Dysangco taking the helm.
The Growling Tigresses extended their perfect record to 12-0, led by Karylle Sierba, Agatha Bron, and Brigette Santos, setting up a highly anticipated clash with National University, whose Lady Bulldogs are on an 11-game winning streak.
“First, Ateneo’s always been mahirap to deal with because of Kacey [Dela Rosa] and [Sarah] Makanjoula. We have to dig deep sa defense natin and adjust, especially doon sa second half,” Dysangco said.
“Maybe and I felt that we were too eager doon sa depensa natin kaya kami naaatake. But fortunately, we were able to adjust sa second half, become more patient doon sa defense, and we were able to take advantage and run.”
Ateneo stayed competitive, trailing 70-61 entering the fourth quarter, but UST opened the period with a decisive 12-5 run, highlighted by a Sierba layup and Rachelle Ambos three-pointer, extending the lead to 82-66. Despite Ateneo’s late 11-3 push, the Growling Tigresses sealed the win with key baskets from Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano.
Sierba finished with 21 points, three rebounds, three assists, and three steals. Bron added 15 points, and Santos contributed 15 points and six rebounds. For Ateneo, Camille Malagar led with 18 points, while MVP Dela Rosa recorded 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Quarterscores: 22-22, 42-39, 70-61, 92-79.