UST survives La Salle-Zobel to enter UAAP girls basketball finals

UST girls basketball team celebrates win. UAAP PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Erika Danganan lifted University of Santo Tomas over De La Salle Zobel, 50-48, to clinch the last slot in the UAAP Season 82 girls basketball Finals Saturday at Paco Arena.

Danganan made the biggest plays on both ends of the floor, hitting the winning shot before getting the game-saving block inside the final 10 seconds.

She finished with a team-high 13 points on top of three rebounds despite dealing with some pain.

“Both of her hamstrings are aching but what’s great about her is he plays a mature game that’s why she was able to carry us to victory,” UST head coach Ford Grajales.

With the game tied at 48, Danganan drove for the go-ahead basket after a fake handoff with nine ticks to go.

La Salle still had a chance to get the final say but Luisa Dela Paz’s 3-pointer was denied by Danganan.

UST arranged a best-of-three title series with Adamson beginning Friday at Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Adamson swept the elimination round after ripping winless Ateneo, 109-38, later in the day.

Crisnalyn Padilla was unstoppable with 57 points on a 27-of-58 clip for Adamson.