UST defeated Centro Escolar University, 73-57, in a battle of budding rivals in the first women’s match of the summer tournament.
After battling to a split in the recently-concluded Pilipinas Chinese Amateur Basketball League, the Tigresses got one over the Lady Scorpions.
“I told my teammates that this was a must-win to prove our win over them the last time was no fluke,” said senior guard Kristine Siapoc who drilled in eight whopping triples.
Siapoc powered UST to a strong start and finished with 27 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals.
The Tigresses led by as many as 17, 30-13, but the Lady Scorpions managed to come within three behind the efforts of backcourt duo Apet Pontejos and Demi Lou Villanueva.
UST, though, got a decent cushion at halftime and was never threatened again.
“She really wouldn’t miss,” said head coach Chris Cantonjos of his star shooting guard.
Jhen Angeles backstopped Siapoc with 10 points.
Meanwhile, the Tiger Cubs nipped University of the Philippines, 91-86, in the juniors’ action.
Nicole Luna and Vince Ferrer, the younger brother of current Growling Tigers’ star Kevin, finished with 19 and 13 points, respectively.
Enzo Barraquias paced the Junior Maroons in a losing effort with 27 points, going 6-of-10 from downtown, along with nine rebounds.
RELATED STORIES
Filoil Premier Cup caging gets going Wednesday
UST, CEU lasses keep slate clean