By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses overcame a slow start in the third quarter to defeat the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles, 77-54, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, September 11.

Leading 44-34 at the half, UST struggled early in the third period as they saw their lead cut to 41-46 before Negrense Kent Pastrana and Rachelle Ambos anchored the Growling Tigresses’ run for a 61-47 lead.

The Growling Tigresses rode on their momentum in the fourth quarter, with Ana Tacatac connecting her outside shots as the lead reached as high as 23 points at 77-54 late in the game.

Pastrana top-scored for the Growling Tigresses with 20 points to go with eight rebounds, three steals and two assists, while Tacatac contributed 14 markers, including four triples.

Eka Soriano finished with 12 points, and Ambos chipped in 10 markers for the defending champion Growling Tigresses, now with a 2-0 win-loss record.

“I think we have to correct our turnovers. Madami pa rin,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said about their 22 turnovers.

“Hopefully sa next games, medyo maremedyohan namin ‘yung mga turnovers namin,” she added.

Kacey dela Rosa finished with a double-double of 22 points and 20 rebounds for the Blue Eagles, which dropped to a 1-1 slate.

Meanwhile, the Adamson University Lady Falcons tied the Golden Tigresses on top after a 65-54 stunner against the De La Salle University Lady Archers.

Elaine Etang led the Lady Falcons with 15 points, five rebounds and five steals, while Kat Agojo contributed 12 points and five rebounds in the victory.

“I want to commend the players with the tight schedule. We only had two days to prepare, and they bought into what we wanted to do for La Salle. The girls responded well,” Adamson head coach Ryan Monteclaro said./ASC, WDJ