UST rolls to fourth straight win, Ateneo routs UE in UAAP women’s basketball

UST’s Tacky Tacatac.–UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Tacky Tacatac propelled the University of Santo Tomas in a wire-to-wire win over La Salle, 93-67, for a fourth straight victory in the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Tacatac powered the Growling Tigresses with  17 points, five rebounds, and five assists as they rose to a 7-2 record tied with the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons in second place. 

UST, which averaged a winning margin of 16.75 points in four games, is just a game behind defending champion National University (8-1) before their clash on Sunday next week at MOA Arena.

“I’m very happy because we got the win but we relaxed a bit in the end. We have to improve more because we should start strong and then finish strong every single game,” said the 24-year-old Tacatac in Filipino.

Brigitte Santos had 12 points, five rebounds, and five assists for UST. Rachelle Ambos chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, and one assist in 10 minutes of playing time. Tantoy Ferrer delivered 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, while Kent Pastrana produced a double-double of 10 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals.

“I think this is what we wanted,” said UST coach Haydee Ong. “The scoring output for UST is distributed with the whole team. Our defense today was not consistent as I’d want but the important thing is we got the W today.”

La Salle dropped to a 3-6 record despite Tricia Mendoza’s 12 points and 12 rebounds. Luisa San Juan and Bernice Paraiso contributed 12 points each.

Ateneo’s Kacey Dela Rosa.–UAAP PHOTO

Meanwhile, Kacey Dela Rosa unleashed 22 points on 8-of-9 and had 11 rebounds and five rebounds in Ateneo’s 81-66 rout of University of the East.

Aside from Dela Rosa, Junize Calago also contributed for the Blue Eagles with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five steals. Sarah Makanjuila dropped 12 points, 22 rebounds, and two blocks, while Jhazmin Joson had 10 points, 12 assists, five rebounds, and three steals.

Ateneo tightened its grip on the No. 4 seed with a 6-3 record, while keeping UE winless in nine games.

Minslie Paule carried the Lady Warriors with 20 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and four steals.