THE UST Growling Tigresses staved off a pesky University of the East Lady Warriors, 54-49, during the UAAP Season 80 women’s basketball tournament at the Ateneo Blue Eagle gym Wednesday.
Down by nine at the start of the payoff period, UST ignited a 10-0 run to lead by one capped by Bets Peñaflor’s go-ahead jumper, 44-43, with 5:48 to go.
A free throw and a mid-range jumpshot by team captain Jhenn Angeles sealed the game with over a minute left, 53-49.
Tigresses Peñaflor and Anjel Anies combined for 17 of UST’s 20 fourth-quarter points.
The Tigresses also tightened their defense and limited the Lady Warriors to six points in the final period.
“I think this game served as a morale-booster coming into the second round [for us] to keep working hard and to maintain the solo second [sa standings],” UST coach Haydee Ong said.
UST improved to a 6-1 win-loss record behind the National University.
Peñaflor finished with 16 points and seven rebounds while Anies poured in 14 markers.
Love Sto. Domingo paced UE with 20 points.
The second round of the women’s basketball tournament is yet to be announced.
