Tacatac, Soriano link up as Tigresses blast UE with 63-point demolition
By Ernest Martin Tuazon
The UST Growling Tigresses continued its winning ways with a 63-point annihilation of the winless UE Lady Warriors, 107–44, in the UAAP Season 85 women’s basketball tournament, Sunday morning, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
UE kept in step with UST as it trailed by three lone points to close out the opening frame, 18–15, but after that, it was all dominance and mercy was not shown by the Tigresses.
UST stepped their foot on the gas come the second salvo as Tacky Tacatac and Chille Serrano ignited for 13 markers of the Tigresses’ 20–2 blast of the Lady Warriors, being able to double up on UE at the half, 52–26.
The third frame was not any different, where it saw the Tigresses zoomed to a 18–0 start as Eka Soriano showed way this time around with all of her 20 points scored in the second half.
Overall, the Tigresses demolished UE in the second half of action, being able to score 55 points compared to the Lady Warriors’ 18 (seven in the third quarter).
UST’s press forced the Lady Warriors to 50 turnovers, which were converted into 28 steals for the Tigresses and 51 points scored off UE’s errors.
Domination in the paint willed Tigresses to their second consecutive victory, where they scored 64 points (32-of-45, 71 percent) in the shaded area.
Tacatac recovered from a three-point performance in their narrow victory against Ateneo as she posted 27 points (11-of-18, 61.1 percent), four rebounds, three assists, and three steals with an efficient 56 +/-.
Soriano flirted with a quadruple-double with a statline of 20 markers (8-of-14, 57.1 percent), seven rebounds, eight assists, and eight steals.
Brigette Santos and Rachel Ambos both scored 12 points, and Nikki Villasin posted 11 markers to accompany UST’s heist of UE.
The Tigresses aim to end the first-round in dominant fashion as they clash against the struggling FEU Lady Tamaraws (1–4) on Wednesday, 11:00 a.m., at the UST Quadricentennial Pavillion.
The Scores:
UST 107 — Tacatac 27, Soriano 20, Santos 12, Ambos 12, Villasin 11, Danganan 9, Bron 6, Serrano 4, Araza 3, Villapando 3, Dionisio 0.
UE 44 — Anastacio 8, Lorena 8, Sajol 8, Kone 8, Terrinal 6, Silva 2, Gervacio 2, Caraig 2, De Leon 0, Paule 0, Zamudio 0, Nama 0.
Quarterscores: 18–15, 52–26, 74–33, 107–44.
