By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Growling Tigresses scored a lopsided 85-57 victory over the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 girls basketball tournament finals at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan City on Thursday, March 13.
Bacolodnon Barby Dajao posted a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds to go with five assists and five steals as the Junior Growling Tigresses took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three title series.
Ilongga Rhiane Perez added a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds to go with five steals and four assists.
Ilongga Lea Pinuela and Sandra Abrantes tallied 14 points each, while Katrina Insoy contributed 12 markers for UST.
After NUNS’ Aubrey Lapasaran converted a four-point play to cut UST’s lead to 47-43, the Junior Growling Tigresses responded with a crucial 15-6 run, establishing a 62-49 advantage after three quarters.
The Junior Growling Tigresses then opened the final frame with 11 unanswered points, burying the Lady Bullpups in a 77-49 deficit that proved insurmountable.
“It’s a collective effort, hindi lang sa mga players, hanggang sa management at support ng college team and coaches,” Junior Golden Tigresses assistant coach Allana Lim said after the game.
Marielle Avila led the Lady Bullpups with 15 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Lapasaran was held to 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting, along with seven rebounds, five steals and three assists.
The Junior Growling Tigresses are hoping to complete the job in Game 2 on March 20 after settling for co-champions in the UAAP Season 82, the last time the girls played.
UST and the Adamson University Lady Falcons were both tied at 1-1 in the best-of-three title series in that season in 2020 before the winner-take-all Game 3 was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic./ASC, WDJ
UST 85 — Dajao 25, Perez 16, Pinuela 14, Abrantes 14, Insoy 12, Wenceslao 2, Tambawan 2, Onate 0, Banate 0, Anonuevo 0, Boteros 0.
NUNS 57 — Avila 15, Lapasaran 13, Mallari 8, Pascua 7, Badajos 5, Trinidad 4, Abong 2, Katigbak 2, Sales 1, Singson 0, Aycardo 0.
Quarterscores: 27-19, 44-36, 62-49, 85-57.