Lady Bulldogs shatter Tigresses’ aura of invincibilty with Game 1 win

MANILA, Philippines — For the entire elimination round of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses roared mightily in sweeping their way straight to the finals.

On Saturday, however, UST’s veil of invulnerability wore off as the National University Lady Bulldogs held off their rivals, 84-79 in Game 1 of the finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Angel Surada filled up the statsheet with 19 points, seven rebounds, five steals, three assists and a block. Marga Villanueva chipped in 17 markers and six boards despite shooting 5-of-19 from the floor.

UST, which defeated NU by 10 and 20 points in the first and second rounds of the eliminations, was kept in a close matchup this time around.

The Tigresses led by just three, 70-67, with 6:19 remaining after an and-one play by Karylle Sierba.

But an 8-2 run capped by a jumper by presumptive women’s Most Valuable Player Karl Ann Pingol pushed NU ahead by three, 75-72, with less than four minutes remaining.

UST, though, remained within striking distance, 78-79, as the game went to deep waters.

A layup by Surada kept the Tigresses’ at arm’s length, 81-78. After Kent Pastrana missed a triple on the other end, free throws by Aloha Betanio and Tin Cayabyap kept UST at bay, 84-78.

Pastrana had a chance to tow UST closer but she split her freebies, which ultimately put the game out of reach.

Cayabyab and Marylene Solis had points 11 apiece, while Xyza Pring finished with nine markers for the defending champions.

Eka Soriana powered UST with 20 points, but she had to be carried out the court late with an apparent injury. She also posted five rebounds, two assists and two steals. Pastrana chipped in 15 markers while Sierba added 14.

Game 2 will be on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.