THE UST Tigresses leaned on a stifling defense to grab their first win this season at the expense of the University of the Philippines (UP) Lady Maroons, 72-58, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last July 26.
Kristine Siapoc led UST with 21 points on top of eight rebounds and four steals, while Marian Mejia and Maica Cortes raked in 16 markers apiece. Karen Salapong paced UP with a game-high 23 points.
Siapoc shot 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, including one in the third quarter which capped UST’s 10-1 run to put them ahead by double digits, 46-34.
The Tigresses, who fell short against defending champions FEU Lady Tamaraws in their opening game, locked down on defense at the start of second half to frustrate the Lady Maroons. They limited UP to just six points in the third quarter where they led 52-36.
“We did a good job in adjusting on defense at the second half and we were also able to execute on offense,” said UST coach Chris Cantonjos.
After a terrible free-throw shooting in the previous game, UST was good for an 11-of-19 clip against UP.
“The test for them was to be better in their offense and defense and to become more accurate in shooting their free throws,” Cantonjos said. “We missed so many free throws in last game, that’s why we had a difficult time in chasing down FEU’s gap.”
In that game last July 19, FEU topped UST, 52-58.
Lore Rivera scored 13 points for UST, to go with eight rebounds, two assists, and two steals. with reports from JOSE ANTONIO R. NISAY
Box scores:
UST 72 – Siapoc 21, Mejia 16, Cortes 16, Rivera 8, Ong 3, Tingcang 2, Reyes 2, Jerez 2, Cabaylo 0, Villanueva 0, Salvador 0, Andrade 0.
UP 58 – Salapong 23, Daez 17, Furagganan 6, Paz 5, Luna 4, Wong 3, Topacio 0, Pioquinto 0, Legaspi 0, Hufanda 0.
Quarter scores: 19-9, 35-30, 52-36, 72-58
