By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses continued their torrid run in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament, overpowering the De La Salle University Lady Archers, 90-54, to extend their perfect record to 8-0 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, October 25.

Negrense rookie Barby Dajao put on another stellar performance, knocking down three triples to finish with 11 points as she played a key role in UST’s dominant second-quarter surge that blew the game wide open.

The Season 87 girls’ basketball MVP provided the spark that fueled the Tigresses’ 28-point explosion in the frame, turning a tight opening period into a 53-24 halftime rout.

Head coach Haydee Ong lauded Dajao’s energy and composure, crediting her and fellow young guns for UST’s consistent performance despite a challenging schedule.

“It’s all about team effort, and the players delivered, especially ‘yung mga player na nasa harap ninyo ni Bron and Barby,” Ong said.

“Next, man-up kami — when someone struggles, the others step up. That’s what’s great about this team,” she added.

The Growling Tigresses never looked back from there, leaning on their depth and balanced attack to dominate the Lady Archers for the second time this season — having also won their first-round encounter, 105-56.

Agatha Bron led UST with 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Oma Onianwa posted a double-double of 12 points and 14 rebounds, along with four assists and three blocks.

CJ Maglupay also added 11 points, while Brigette Santos contributed 10.

The win not only preserved UST’s spotless 8-0 slate but also solidified its hold on the top spot of the standings heading into the second round.

La Salle, which came into the game riding a three-game winning streak, fell to 3-5, tying Adamson University for fifth place.

Kyla Go led the Lady Archers with 17 points, while Xyla Lubrico chipped in eight./ASC, WDJ