UAAP: UST routs NU, forces do-or-die for women’s basketball title

The University of Santo Tomas took down National University, 95-70, in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball finals on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The victory forced a Game 3, as NU won Game 1, 84-79.

UST started strong and took a 27-16 lead at the end of the first quarter before the Lady Bulldogs inched closer, 48-40, by halftime.

The España-based squad, however, continued to pound NU in the second half, outscoring the defending champions 27-13 in the third quarter alone to take a 75-53 lead.

UST held its biggest lead at 87-56 with 4:03 left in the fourth quarter before eventually cruising to the victory.

Karylle Sierba led the Growling Tigresses with 17 points and five rebounds, while Brig Santos added 15 points along with seven assists and four steals. Rachelle Ambos and Coi Danganan chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Kristine Cayabyab, meanwhile, led the Lady Bulldogs with 22 points, while Marga Villanueva contributed 12.

Scores:

UST 95 – Sierba 17, Santos 15, Ambos 13, C. Danganan 11, Pastrana 8, Onianwa 8, Relliquette 6, Pineda 6, Bron 5, Maglupay 5, Soriano 1, Dajao 0, K. Danganan 0, Pescador 0.

NU 70 – Cayabyab 22, Villanueva 12, Pingol 8, Surada 7, Pring 6, Betanio 5, Solis 4, D. Medina 3, Alterado 3, Garcia 0, Canindo 0, S. Medina 0.

Quarters: 26-17, 48-40, 75-53, 95-70.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News