UST barges into UAAP women’s basketball Final 4 after ousting La Salle

University of Santo Tomas had a cruise of a victory over De La Salle, 79-67, to advance to the Final Four of the UAAP Season 81 women’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses chalked up their second win over the Lady Archers in a span of five days, the first on a 68-65 squeaker on Friday that forced the playoff game for the no.4 spot in the standings.

Grace Irebu asserted her dominance for the Growling Tigers with 29 points while Sai Larosa and Tin Capalit added 18 and 16 points, respectively.

UST will then face another do-or-die game this time against Adamson in the first step-ladder game on Sunday.

Defending champion National University already earned a championship round bye after sweeping the eliminations.

In the other game, Far Eastern University edged past Adamson University, 67-63, to earn the twice-to-beat bonus in the step-ladder eliminations and will wait for the winner between UST and Adamson.

Clare Castro had a 25-point, 16-rebound double-double to lead the Lady Tamaraws while Valerie Mamaril added 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists.