By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses used a huge third quarter breakaway to oust the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 71-59, in the step-ladder semifinals of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Wednesday, December 4.

After seeing their early 21-4 lead turned to a 39-43 deficit early in the third quarter, the Growling Tigresses leaned on conversions from Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana, Tacky Tacatac and Brigette Santos to regain control of the lead at 54-45.

The Lady Falcons closed the gap to six points at 54-60 in the fourth period, but CJ Maglupay, Santos and Tacatac connected with timely baskets to stretch the Growling Tigresses’ lead to 67-55.

Pastrana, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year, delivered an all-around performance of 23 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, two steals, and a block to lead the Growling Tigresses.

Maglupay added a double-double of 13 points and 11 rebounds, to go with six steals, while Tacatac and Santos contributed 10 points apiece for the defending champions UST.

With the victory, the Growling Tigresses moved on to the best-of-three championship series against the National University Lady Bulldogs, which were undefeated in their 14 games in the elimination round.

“Let’s give credit also to Adamson, kay Coach Ryan [Monteclaro] and his girls, talagang they gave us a hard time. Salute to them,” Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said in a post-game interview.

“It’s a total team effort for us and, at the end of the day, ‘yung defense namin dictated nung second half,” she said.

“We have to work harder together. ‘Yun dapat ayusin sa laro namin, doon kami magko-concentrate,” she added.

Elaine Etang led Adamson with 12 points and five rebounds, Kem Adeshina also had 12 points, with 10 coming from the first two quarters.

They concluded the season as bronze medalist./ASC, WDJ