University of Santo Tomas put the seven-year reign of National University in danger following a masterful 76-72 win in Game 1 of their Season 86 University Athletic Association of the Philippines best-of-three women’s basketball tournament finals series yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Tigresses displayed great composure down the stretch to pull off the win and inch closer to their first title since 2006 while putting an end to the seven-year reign of the Lady Bulldogs.
UST will go for the jugular in Game 2 on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
“Of course, I’m so happy. Finally, we were able to beat NU which is very important because it happened in the championship series,” said UST coach Haydee Ong, a former national team mentor, after breaking their 20-game losing streak to the Lady Bulldogs that dates back to 31 August 2012.
Ong was replaced by Patrick Aquino in the national team program. Aquino is also regarded as the architect of NU’s dominance in the UAAP before he stepped down to give way for his Aris Dimaunahan.
“Thanks to the girls for keeping working hard until the final seconds when NU could still make a rally. They showed great composure until the end.”
Nikki Villasin, Tacky Tacatac, Kent Pastrana, and Brigette Santos teamed up for the Tigresses to turn a close 62-60 lead to an eight-point margin, 75-63, with 3:30 left.
But Aloha Betanio drained a three-pointer while Stef Berberabe drilled three of four free throws to pull the Lady Bulldogs to within two with 1:10 remaining.
Rocel Dionisio then responded for UST with an open short stab inside off a beautiful dish from Pastrana with 54.6 seconds to go, 75-71.
