THE UST Tigresses capped their Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup campaign at third place after surviving the Centro Escolar University (CEU), 68-67, at The Arena in San Juan last June 7.
Janine Ong steered the Tigresses with 19 points, 15 of which came from three-pointers, while team captain Marian Mejia and center Maica Cortes combined for 31 markers and 21 rebounds.
Ybur Mendoza paced the Lady Scorpions with 21 points.
With five minutes left to play, Mejia converted on an and-one basket to give the Tigresses a 56-52 lead after the Lady Scorpions committed two consecutive turnovers.
But CEU caught up and narrowed the gap to four, 68-64, through Mendoza’s three-point play and Marjorie Mercado’s bucket with 25 ticks remaining.
The Lady Scorpions had another chance to steal the win in the succeeding play after the Tigresses committed a turnover, but Mercado missed both free throws after being fouled on a drive.
Rivera and Cortes both had opportunities to give UST a more comfortable lead, but missed all four of their charities with five seconds left. Lady Scorpion import Shaddy Ogunsemuyen’s trey sealed the final tally.
With key players Kelly Salvador and Ryzza Andrade missing the first half, Tigresses coach Chris Cantonjos admitted that the team started slow, but eventually picked up pace.
“After the girls’ gears were oiled, it went pretty much our way. Unfortunately, in the last frame, our defensive plays were easily read and that’s how CEU caught up,” he said.
BOX SCORES:
UST 68 – Ong 19, Mejia 18, Cortes 13, Reyes 12, Rivera 3, Salvador 2, Angeles 1
CEU 67 – Mendoza 21, Pontejos 17, Mercado 9. Alcayaga 7, Ongsemuyen 6, Lacson 6, Agra 1
Quarter scores: 18-18, 28-36, 46-46, 68-67
