THE UST Junior Growling Tigresses outclassed the Ateneo Blue Eagles, 117-29, to grab their second win in the UAAP Season 87 girls’ basketball tournament at the FilOil EcoOIl Centre on Sunday, Feb. 2.
The Junior Growling Tigresses dominated from start to finish, holding the Blue Eagles to just one point in the first quarter, 45-1, before widening the lead every period en route to the lopsided win.
Despite the commanding margin, UST head coach Aresnio Dysangco tipped his hat to the Blue Eagles for showing courage and taking the “hard” steps in establishing a women’s basketball program.
“I want to commend Ateneo for starting (a girls basketball program). Ang pinakamahirap kasi ay ‘yong magsimula ng isang girls high school basketball program,” Dysangco said.
“I know what they are going through. I know how hard it is to start a high school program so hats off to them for being willing to take those steps para sa mga bata.”
Ateneo was unable to score from the field the whole opening period, with their lone point coming from a free throw.
It was not until the second quarter that the Blue Eagles made their first field goal, courtesy of Tyler Templo’s triple at the 7:35 mark. Templo again scored on a layup, though still barely making a dent on UST’s lead, 61-6.
With their third-stringers in the game, UST had a close scoring battle with Ateneo in the fourth quarter, 14-13, in favor of the Junior Growling Tigresses.
The Junior Growling Tigresses forced 30 turnovers while only committing 12. UST also had a 38-3 advantage in points off turnovers.
Grachelle Boteros led UST with 19 points and four rebounds, while Barby Dajao put up 18 points, 17 rebounds, four steals, and five assists. Jannah Wenceslao also added 15 points on an efficient 6-for-7 shooting from the field, on top of Giorgina Anonuevo, and Noelle Arciaga’s 11-point outings for UST.
UST played its entire 15-player roster in the game, and each scored at least a point.
“What we wanted to do was to let them feel how it is to play in the UAAP,” Dysangco said on playing their bench players in the second half. “It’s not about how big or dominating we played. It’s about the kids. It’s about ensuring that they enjoy the game.”
Templo topped the scoring for the Blue Eagles with 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting along with seven rebounds, while Matia Molina added nine markers.
The Junior Growling Tigresses will next face the undefeated NUNS Lady Bullpups on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the same venue to wrap up the first round of eliminations of the four-team tournament.
