Tigresses crash out of Final 4 after loss to FEU

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THE UST Growling Tigresses finished at fourth place after faltering anew in the fourth quarter with a 61-62 defeat against the Far Eastern University in the UAAP Season 77 women’s basketball stepladder semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena last Sept. 21.

With less than a minute remaining in regulation, the Tigresses squandered several possessions that resulted in a resounding 13-2 FEU surge, capped with a Claire Castro layup to snatch the lead from UST, 60-61.

Lore Rivera managed to tie things up again at 61-all after a split from the stripe with 20 seconds remaining, but Lady Tamaraw Lorraine Ventura pushed her squad back on top with a split of her own, 61-62.

UST had 3.8 seconds to come up with a winning play but failed to convert as the Lady Tamaraws completed the comeback victory.

Rivera led the charge for the Tigresses with a double-double performance of 23 points and 14 boards, backed by Maica Cortes’ 10 markers and 23 rebounds.

UST head coach Chris Cantonjos said he was proud of his team’s achievements despite a disappointing outcome.

“We are humbled with what happened. I told the players after the game that I am still proud, knowing we gave everything we got,” he said. “We had high expectations this season after winning two titles from four finals in the summer but we understand that you have to be tough in the UAAP.”

The Tigresses, who last won the championship in 2006, will miss the services of several veterans next season as Rivera, Cortes, Mary Rose Mandilag, Kim Reyes and Kristine Siapoc have all exhausted their playing years in the UAAP.

Box scores:

UST 61 – Rivera 23, Cortes 16, Reyes 6, Felisarte 4, Pe?aflor 4, Siapoc 3, Magdaluyo 3, Angeles 2, Isanan 0, Brillantes 0.

FEU 62 – Arellado 18, Castro 15, Tanaman 12, Ventura 5, Siat 4, Chan 4, Valenzona 2, Gabriel 2, Baldonado 0, Lozano 0, Abat 0.

Quarter scores: 12-11, 31-24, 48-41, 61-62

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