THE UST Growling Tigresses survived the De La Salle University Lady Archers, 65-62, in the UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Saturday.
Bets Peñaflor’s putback gave the Tigresses a 65-58 lead with 1:17 left in the payoff period after La Salle closed the gap to two late in the game.
“We’ve adjusted doon sa pag-double team nila kay Angeles ‘nung third quarter. And we took inside shots, hindi na ‘yung mga long range gaya ‘nung first half,” UST coach Haydee Ong said.
The Tigresses scored 28 of their 38 second-half points from the paint.
UST held the Lady Archers to two field goals in the last five minutes and ignited a 14-4 run to take the lead, 52-45, in the final quarter.
Jhenn Angeles led UST’s balanced offense with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while five Tigresses scored in double-figures.
Charmaine Torres had 17 markers for La Salle.
UST improved to a 5-1 win-loss card for second place behind undefeated National University.
With both teams bugged with turnovers, UST exploited its height advantage and tallied 54 rebounds, including 23 offensive.
The Tigresses look to close out the first round with a win against the University of the East on Oct. 4, Wednesday, 9 a.m., at the Ateneo Blue Eagle gym.
