By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses went on a huge run in the fourth quarter to defeat the University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Maroons, 84-60, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, October 2.

Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana had another efficient game, finishing with 21 points as the Growling Tigresses solidified their hold on second place in the standings with a 5-1 win-loss slate.

Ilongga Ana “Tacky” Tacatac delivered her best performance of the season as she connected 14 of her 20 points in the fourth quarter for the Growling Tigresses.

“Sana tuloy-tuloy na ‘yung pagputok niya. It will give us more space in our offense kasi talagang nakatutok ‘yung defenders kay Tacky,” Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said.

“Sabi nga, ‘A shooter will always be a shooter.’ Kahit hindi nagshu-shoot si Tacky, ‘yung spacing namin will have room to operate for Kent [Pastrana] and doon sa mga players ko na nagda-drive,” she added.

The Growling Tigresses hope to continue their winning streak to close out the first round of eliminations as they face the Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws on Saturday, October 5.

Negrense Kye Pesquera led the Fighting Maroons with 20 points, five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Louna Ozar and Christie Bariquit contributed 14 points each.

They dropped to 2-4./ASC, WDJ

UST 84 — Pastrana 21, Tacatac 20, Sierba 11, Relliquette 6, Soriano 5, Santos 4, Maglupay 4, Ambos 4, Pineda 3, Dionisio 2, Bron 2, N. Danganan 2, Pescador 0, Amalong 0, Serrano 0, Lopez 0.

UP 60 — Pesquera 20, Ozar 14, Bariquit 14, Maw 4, Tapawan 3, Barba 3, Jimenez 2, Sauz 0, Vingno 0, Solitario 0, Quinquinio 0, Lozada 0.

Quarterscores: 26-16, 44-27, 59-53, 84-60.