WITH THE nucleus of “three-peat” champion De La Salle University Lady Archers gone, the UST Growling Tigresses now have a solid chance of reganing the UAAP women’s basketball title they last won in 1995.
The Taft-based lady dribblers, who carved a perfect 12-0 record last year, has become vulnerable this year with the departure of top scorer Roussel Ocampo. A product of the UST High School, Ocampo led the Lady Archers to the 2001 championship, posting league-best numbers of 19.2 points per game (ppg) and 3.33 steals per game (spg).
“Malaking kawalan iyon, kasi siya iyong scorer nila,” said Tigresses head coach Peque Tan.
With the playing field leveled, Tan is now more wary of the Adamson Lady Falcons. Led by national team member Minerva Narciza, the same Adamson roster that finished third last season remains intact, making them a serious title contender this season.
The Tigresses failed to enter the Final Four last year despite a late-season rally by the squad. With a 5-7 record and a humiliating 73-48 beating by the Lady Archers to end the season, the España-based lady dribblers’ consecutive victories at the start of the second round went to naught after they lost two of their last three games. The last time the UST cagebelles missed the postseason was in 1999 where they also finished fifth.
Despite the lack of ceiling, the Tigresses showed flashes of brilliance in the Fr. Martin’s Cup as they posted a 3-3 win-loss card. Finishing fourth in the UAAP tune-up tournament, the Tigresses showed promise as they pulled an upset against UAAP finalist UP Lady Maroons.
Missing in action
The UST Tigresses are out to redeem themselves this year despite losing lead scorer Saindee dela Cruz. Dela Cruz, who led the España-based cagebelles last year with 12.2 ppg and 7.9 rebounds per game (rpg), has played out her five years of eligibility in the UAAP.
Further weakening UST’s artillery on the frontline is the departure of Grace Uson and Annabel Villena, both of whom rotated at the center spot last year. Uson, who likewise played out her eligibility, played both the center and power forward positions, contributing 6.3 ppg and 4.9 rpg.
Proving to be a reliable post player, Villena usually came off the bench last year, shooting 4.9 ppg and grabbing 4.5 rpg. The lanky Villena also led the team in field-goal shooting (45.7%) and committed just 12 turnovers in the 10 games.
Armida Caro, who helped manned the cagebelles’ rickety backcourt last year, will also be missed for academic reasons. Despite playing limited minutes, Caro did a little of everything, producing 3.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg and 1.4 assists per game (apg). Caro also led the Tigresses in free-throw shooting with 71.4 percent.
Left behind
This year’s team will look for a leader in Theresa Palenzuela, Dela Cruz’ frontcourt partner last year. Being the only other Tigress to score in double figures aside from Dela Cruz with 11.3 ppg, Palenzuela also helped in the other departments with 5.9 rpg and 1.5 spg. As the team’s first offensive option, Palenzuela has responded well.
“Si Palenzuela, malaki ang improvement niya. Ang ganda ng ipinakita niya sa Fr. Martin’s,” said Tan.
Returning point guard Irene Cahilig will try to fill the void left by Dela Cruz. Nicknamed “Iverson” for her quickness, the diminutive Cahilig is expected to bring some stability in the backcourt.
Backing up Cahilig is sophomore Graciel Jayma. Jayma, who had an unimpressive stint last year, produced just 2.6 ppg and 1.3 rpg. Sophomore point guard Mary Joanne Eleazar, who appeared in only three games as a rookie, is expected to get more playing time.
With Uson and Villena gone, sophomore forward Juvy Salazar will anchor the cagebelles’ inside game. Due to the Tigresses’ shortage of big players, Salazar is likely to get more minutes despite a disappointing rookie year with 1.3 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 16.7 percent from the field. With a good showing in the Fr. Martin’s Cup, rookie power forward/center Neri Noscal will likely back up Salazar.
The presence of senior forward Jamie Ang should likewise add more versatility to the España-based Lady cagers’ frontline. Primarily a perimeter threat with a range that stretches to the three-point arc, Ang contributed in every department averaging 2.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal per game. Janice Alejandro, who registered 2.7 ppg and 1.8 rpg while shooting 33 percent from the field last season, will also be back in the UST roster.
Jennifer Mondejar, who made a comeback last year after being deemed ineligible due to academic deficiencies, will still play with the Tigresses this year.
Adding height to the UST frontline is Aileen Arcigal. Rotating at the small forward and power forward slots, Arcigal was a revelation in the Fr. Martin’s Cup. Olive Mendoza, another rookie in the Lady cagers’ frontline, should help the Tigresses on the boards. Christian B. Bautista
