UAAP women’s basketball: UST nips UE, FEU escapes UP

MANILA, Philippines—University of Santo Tomas buckled down when it needed the most and overcome University of the East, 58-49, in the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Grace Irebu led the way for the Golden Tigresses with 24 points and 16 rebounds as they recovered from a slow start after scoring just four points in the opening quarter.

The Golden Tigresses mounted an 8-0 run that Irebu capped off for a 54-44 lead with 2:07 left in the game.

“I talked to Grace that she needed to be stronger in the inside versus UE,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong whose team improved to 4-2. “They started very slow and I told the ladies during halftime that we are lacking energy.”

Kikay Gandalla added 13 points and five rebounds for the Golden Tigresses while Lon Rivera had seven points and six boards.

Jearzy Ganade led the 1-5 Lady Warriors with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.

In the other game, Far Eastern University escaped University of the Philippines, 73-67, at Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The Lady Tamaraws held the Lady Maroons to zero points in the first quarter and even took a 26-0 lead, but UP fought back and got to within three, 62-59.

Princess Jumuad’s jumper punctuated FEU’s 10-2 run in the fourth to give the Lady Tamaraws’ 72-61 lead with two minutes left to play, effectively ending UP’s rebellion.

“They want to get that win the hard way. Fortunately, they were able to adjust,” said FEU head coach Bert Flores in Filipino.

Valerie Mamaril led FEU with 14 points while Clare Castro had 12 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks as the Tamaraws improved to 4-2.

The Lady Maroons stayed at the bottom of the standings with a lowly 0-6 record.