UST Tigresses survive gritty FEU Lady Tamaraws

by Justin Emmanuel Magat

The UST Growling Tigresses fought to live another day, as they eliminated the FEU Lady Tamaraws, 86–72, in the first step-ladder match in the semifinals of the UAAP Season 80 Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum earlier today, Sunday, Nov. 19.

The Tigresses shot the lights out in the fourth frame by burying four 3-pointers including two triples courtesy of Anjel Anies. Anies would also hit a couple of clutch jumpers to seal the deal for UST.

Anies and Sai Larosa combined for 20 out of UST’s 26 points in the final period.

UST Tigresses Head Coach Haydee Ong praised her players for holding their ground on the defensive ends and outside shooting especially in the payoff period, despite mentioning her team’s abysmal free-throw shooting and rebounding.

“We had a lot of free-throws missed that we need to work on, and FEU got a lot of offensive rebounds, so we need to work on it because UE has a lot of big ladies. What’s good is our defense held up in the last 5 minutes and our three pointers were sinking in,” Ong said in the press conference.

The Tigresses used their balanced attack, as five players scored in double figures led by Anies’ 24 points off the bench.

“Kung wala yung mga teammates ko, di ko naman makukuha yung 24 points, yung practice plan po namin eh sinunod lang po namin,” Anies stated.

The UST Tigresses will face the University of the East on Nov. 22, Wednesday, in hopes of keeping their season alive as UE holds a twice to beat advantage.

Scores: UST (86) — Anies 24, Angeles 14, Gandalla 11, Rivera 10, Larosa 10, Peñaflor 8, Jerez 7, Portillo 2, Aujero 0, Capilit 0, Sangalang 0, Isanan 0. FEU (72) — Arrelado 19, Gerner 12, Taguiam 11, Balleser 11, Jumuad 4, Antiola 4, Bastasas 4, Ouano 3, Quiapo 2, Okunlola 2, Mamaril 0, Payadon 0, Bahuyan 0.

Quarter Scores: 19–19, 39–31, 60–55, 86–72.