IN THEIR penultimate game of the season, the UST Growling Tigresses lost a no-bearing 76-61 decision against the undefeated De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers last September 11 at the UST Gym.
The Lady Archers pulled away early, racing to a huge 28-10 lead behind 10 points from forward Princess Mariano in the first quarter. Mariano spearheaded DLSU’s offensive thrust as she proved to be unstoppable on the lower block with three consecutive baskets to open the match.
The UST cagebelles put up a tougher stand in the second half, but it was not enough to prevent the Taft-based Lady Archers from sweeping the eliminations for the second straight year. Down 43-25 at the end of the first half, the Tigresses used stopgap remedies against the Lady Archers’ high-octane offense to try and cut the deficit in the second half. UST devised a 19-14 effort in the fourth quarter for the final margin.
With the loss, the España-based lady cagers settled for sixth place, posting a dismal 2-9 record with one game left in the season.
Regina Velarde, who finished with 16 points, contributed eight points in the first half for La Salle.
Veteran forward Theresa Palenzuela led a short surge by the Growling Tigresses in the second half, exploding for a game-high 17 points after going scoreless in the first two quarters. With a 16-point effort from Palenzuela and Aileen Arcigal in the third canto, the Tigresses prevented the game from turning into a rout. “Malakas talaga (ang La Salle). Akala ko matatambakan kami. Kahit hindi kami nanalo, basta naging goal namin mapababa lang iyong lamang,” said Palenzuela, who still has a year left of eligibility.
Palenzuela also grabbed a game-high 13 rebounds, nine of which came from the offensive end. The 20-year old lass also shot a remarkable 9 of 10 clip from the charity stripe. Arcigal ended up with 14 markers and six rebounds.
