By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses cruised to a dominant 70-54 victory over the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Sunday, October 27.

Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana tallied a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds as the Growling Tigresses stayed in second place with a 9-1 win-loss slate.

Meanwhile, Ilongga Ana Tacatac top-scored for the Growling Tigresses with 12 points, while Rachelle Ambos contributed 10 points in the victory.

Holding to a slim 16-13 lead after the opening quarter, the Growling Tigresses went on a 25-11 scoring blast in the second period behind Pastrana to establish a 41-24 halftime lead.

The Growling Tigresses continued their run in the second half behind Tacatac and Ambos as the lead reached as many as 26 points midway through the fourth quarter.

“It is a total team effort. Lahat talaga nagtrabaho to get this victory,” Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said in a post-game interview.

Joann Nagma finished with 12 points, while Yvette Villanueva added 11 markers as the Lady Tamaraws dropped to a 2-7 win-loss card.

Meanwhile, the Adamson University Lady Falcons (7-3) prevailed over the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (3-6), 57-54, to remain in third place in the standings. /ASC, WDJ