6 September 2014, 1:58 p.m. – THE UST Growling Tigresses suffered a fourth-quarter meltdown and
dropped a 54-60 decision against the Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in
the second round of the UAAP Season 77 women’s basketball tournament at the
Mall of Asia Arena, Saturday.
The Tigresses now share fourth place with the Lady Eagles and
Adamson University with a 6-6 record.
The Tigresses squandered an early eight-point lead and lost steam
in the payoff period as they were outscored by the Lady Eagles, 8-19, in the
final minutes.
The Tigresses failed to contain Ateneo center Danica Jose who
sparked a scorching 14-2 run for the Lady Eagles to snatch the lead, 54-52, in
the last two minutes.
Kristine Siapoc tried to answer back with a triple but came up
short.
Ateneo sealed the victory with charities from Jose and Klarizze
Posadas.
“Nawala sa fourth quarter ‘yung defense namin katulad ng
ginawa noong first three quarters,” UST head coach Chris Cantonjos said.
Cantonjos said missed free throws
were also a factor.
The Tigresses missed eight out of ten from the free throw line in
the payoff period and were in penalty after just three minutes allowing the
Lady Eagles to come back.
Despite the defeat, they are confident about their chances to
qualify for the Final Four.
“I-push natin ‘yung team sa limit this time kasi hindi tayo
pwede matalo kung gusto natin makapasok sa Final Four,” Cantonjos said.
” Hindi na tayo dapat nag-hihintay na ‘sana matalo si ganito at matalo si
ganyan,’ hindi ganyan ang UST. Dapat tayo ang nagdi-dictate kung saan tayo
pu-puwesto.”
Siapoc and Center Maica Cortes paced UST with 12 points apiece
while Kim Reyes contributed 10.
The Tigresses will try to break away from their logjam at fourth
place against Far Eastern University on Wednesday, September 10, at the
Smart-Araneta Coliseum. J. D. G. Saynes
***
BOX SCORE:
UST 54 – Siapoc 12, Cortes 12, Reyes 10, Rivera 9, Angeles 4,
Isanan 4, Felisarte 2, Penaflor 1
ADMU 60 – Jose 18, Javier 11, Bo-ot 8, Aseron 8, Tomita 6, Yam
3, Buendia 2, Posadas 2, Belarmino 2
Quarter Scores: 14-10, 27-21,
46-40, 54-60
