By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses extended their unbeaten start in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament, overwhelming the University of the East (UE) Lady Warriors, 99-42, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion on Saturday, October 4.

The Growling Tigresses dominated from the opening tip, racing to a 25-5 lead in the first quarter and never looking back en route to their third straight victory that put them on top of the standings with a 3-0 record.

Negrense Kent Pastrana stood out with an all-around performance of 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals to power the Growling Tigresses’ balanced attack.

Nigerian center Oma Onianwa also delivered 17 points and six boards in just 19 minutes.

Breana Pineda chipped in 13 points on efficient 4-of-6 shooting.

Karylle Sierba added 11.

Coach Haydee Ong lauded her team’s discipline, especially on the defensive end.

“We’re happy na ‘yung game plan namin nasunod naman … At the start of the season naman, I told my team na kailangan we focus on our individual and team defense. I think we want na lahat ng opponents namin ay below their average every time we go against them,” Ong said.

The Tigresses’ defense suffocated the Lady Warriors, forcing 32 turnovers that translated to 30 points, along with 28 steals across the board.

All 15 healthy players saw action for Ong, with only captain Eka Soriano sitting out due to an ankle injury.

UE, which fell to 0-3 and absorbed its 13th consecutive defeat dating back to last season, was led by Ivy Yañez’s 12 points.

Former UST High standout Rachel Lacayanga contributed 10./ASC, WDJ