THE UST Growling Tigresses snapped the dynastic reign of the NU Lady Bulldogs in UAAP women’s basketball, toppling them in Game 3 of the Season 86 finals, 71-69, and winning their first championship in 17 years at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Dec. 6.
UST broke its championship drought that dated back to Season 69 while putting an end to NU’s seven-year streak.
The Tigresses trailed by 14 points at the end of the third quarter, but they managed to outscore the Lady Bulldogs 24-8 in the final period.
With UST down by five, 69-64, Tantoy Ferrer drilled a three-pointer and Kent Pastrana sank a jumper that tied the game with 26 seconds left.
Following a crucial defensive stop by UST with 11 seconds left in regulation, Nikki Villasin sprinted ahead and sealed the victory with a game-winning layup with 6.5 seconds on the clock.
The Lady Bulldogs failed to get a good shot off, and UST captured the championship.
“I’m really lost for words. I’m just really happy for the girls,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said postgame. “NU gave us a lot of chances para makahabol. We made good stops in the last one minute and I think that spelled the difference—‘yung puso ng player ko.”
The game was closely contested from the beginning, as both teams finished the opening quarter tied at 19
Up by three, 30-27, in the second quarter, NU unloaded a 14-5 run to end the half up by 12, 44-32.
Ferrer paced the Tigresses with a 19-point, 14-rebound double-double, while Pastrana and Villasin chipped in 16 and 12 markers, respectively.
Ferrer was named Finals MVP.
Tin Cayabyab scored 18 points to lead NU’s offense, while Princess Fabruada added 13 markers.
UST will miss the services of Ferrer and Villasin in Season 87.
