By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Growling Tigresses pulled off a tight 14-13 win over the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups to rule the UAAP Season 87 girls 3×3 basketball at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City on Sunday, May 4.
Negrense Barby Dajao spearheaded the offense with five points, while Ilonggas Rhianne Perez and Lea Pinuela, as well as Kat Insoy, added three markers apiece for the Junior Growling Tigresses.
“Tulad ng ginawa namin noon sa 5-on-5, binuhos lang ulit namin lahat para makauwi ulit kami ng championship sa UST dito naman sa 3×3,” the 19-year-old Dajao said after the win.
After surrendering the first point to the Lady Bullpups, the Junior Golden Tigresses surged to a 10-3 advantage, but NUNS took advantage of UST’s penalty situation to tie the score at 10-all.
Dajao and Perez then anchored the Junior Golden Tigresses’ 4-1 scoring run to take a 14-11 lead.
The Lady Bullpups answered with back-to-back hits from Aubrey Lapasaran to trim the deficit to 13-14.
Ash Abong led the Lady Bullpups with six points, while Adin Rosano and Lapasaran had four and three points, respectively.
The De La Salle University Junior Archers clinched the bronze medal after a 21-3 victory over the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets.
Erica de Luna paced DLSZ with seven points.
Meanwhile, the Far Eastern University-Diliman (FEU-D) Baby Tamaraws claimed the boys 3×3 crown after a close 16-15 win over the NUNS Bullpups.
Cabs Cabonillas led FEU-D with seven points.
The Adamson University Baby Falcons finished in third place after defeating the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets, 17-14.
Chris Urbina and Jay Leal tallied six points each for Ateneo.
On the other hand, the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eaglets claimed their juniors 3×3 title after a 22-19 victory over UST Tiger Cubs.
Sky Jazul led the way for the Blue Eaglets with 11 points.
The University of the Philippines-Integrated School (UPIS) Junior Fighting Maroons claimed the bronze after a 22-20 victory over the FEU-D Baby Tamaraws.
Bruce Tubongbanua and Jhun Hallare led UPIS with nine points each./ASC, WDJ