By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Santo Tomas scored a convincing 95-70 Game 2 victory over National University and forced a sudden death in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament Finals at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Dec. 10.
After losing the series opener, 79-84, that ended their 14-game winning run, the Golden Tigresses came out swinging, coming through with a series of offensive spurts to dictate the tempo of the game.
And they practically sealed the win after rushing to a commanding 87-56 advantage in the payoff period.
UST’s win spoiled Karl Ann Pingol’s coronation as women’s MVP as well as the celebration attempt of the two-peat seeking Lady Bulldogs.
The rubber match is set Sunday, Dec. 14, at the same venue.
“Kailangan maging physical kami, and ‘yong mentality namin, kailangan pa naming patibayin. Come by sunday, lahat ng adjustments ng NU ma-counter namin,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong. “Wala nang Xs, Os, it’s all about heart.”
Karylle Sierba led UST’s balanced attack with 17 points along with five rebounds, while Brig Santos, Rachelle Ambos, and Coi Danganan added 15, 13, and 11 points, respectively.
“Nag-enjoy lang kami sa game, pero ngayon sobrang ganda ng sistema namin ngayon, sana sa Game 3 ganto rin ‘yong ilaro namin,” added Sierba. “Marami kaming pinagdaanan, ibibigay ko ‘yong best ko para mabigyan ‘yong veterans ng maganda exit.”
Elite Team member Kent Pastrana hada quiet eight points, four rebounds, three assists, and three steals, while Oni Onianwa added eight points.
Kristine Cayabyab spearheaded the Lady Bulldogs’ assault off 22 points with seven rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Marga Villanueva chipped in 12 points which all went for naught.
This year’s MVP Pingol was neutralized offensively as she only scored eight points that came with 10 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals, while Angel Surada and Xyza Pring combined for just 13 points.
Meanwhile, NU-Nazareth School completed its amazing run after defeating Far Eastern University-Diliman, 82-72, in Game 2 to seal its 16U crown.
Aside from winning their second overall title – the first one was when the division was a demo sport in Season 86, the Bullpups swept all of their assignments from eliminations to Finals to close out with a pristine 16-0 card.
Graduating players Malian big man Moussa Diakite, Jaypee Yanga, and David Sabareza, who ultimately took home the Finals MVP, produced spectacular outings to deny the gritty Baby Tamaraws’ final hurrah.
Diakite scattered 21 points on top of 17 rebounds, four assists, five blocks, and three steals, while Yanga posted 20 points, six rebounds, and one steal. Sabareza, for his part, contributed 17 points, three rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Danjo Desiderio charities and a Dwyne Enriquez midrange jumper — to cut the lead to 66-59 with 5:42 left.
Prince Cariño starred for FEU with 19 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks, while Dwyne Enriquez logged eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and two steals in a losing cause.
