IT ALL boiled down to experience as the UST Tigresses tumbled against defending champions Adamson University Lady Falcons, 79-92, in the Final Four of the UAAP women’s basketball hostilities at the San Juan Arena last September 18.
The Lady Falcons propelled a staggering 10-point lead in the opening quarter alone, 27-17, and sustained the momentum down the stretch to clinch a Finals seat, sending the undersized Tigresses to a respectable third place.
All the five starters of twice-to-beat Adamson scored in double digits, headed by Anna Buendia, who blazed the net with a team-high 22 points. Season 73 Most Valuable Player Analyn Almasan proved herself worthy of the title as she registered a rare triple-double performance of 18 points, 17 rebounds and 10 assists.
Joining the Lady Falcons’ shooting spree is Katherine Sandel, who chipped in 11 points, backed by Gretchie Roque and Khaterine Mangahas, who scored 10 points apiece.
The Tigresses-trio of Ann Leonardo, Kristine Siapoc, and Juvelyn Andaya gave Adamson’s lead a mild stir that made it a five-point game, 40-45, in the early goings of the third period, but Adamson still owned the last laugh as Buendia, who barely missed a two-point field goal with an impressive 6-of-7 shooting, broke away with a 12-point fourth quarter rampage that made it for Adamson.
Leonardo topscored for UST with 28 points while Siapoc added 12 markers.
Leonardo failed to get enough lift from ace gunner Mary Joy Galicia, who was limited to only six points, while veteran Paola Bombeo was held scoreless in the whole second half to finish with a meager four-point output. R.I.M. Cruz
