sbet UAAP Finals: UST Tigresses hold heads high, eye Game 2 bounce back
-
Kent Pastrana (5) and the UST Tigresses during Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion University of Santo Tomas remained optimistic despite a heartbreaking loss to National University in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball Finals on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
UST blew a golden opportunity to get a headstart in the best-of-three series after losing a 14-point lead in the third quarter to fall to NU, 72-71, on a layup by Cielo Pagdulagan with 50 seconds remaining.
Article continues after this advertisement“Nothing to be ashamed of. Breaks of the game, yung last play namin was really made for Tacky. It was a good shot. Unfortunately, nag-miss kami. It’s a good miss,” said UST coach Haydee Ong.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS LIVE: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 1 - La Salle vs UP SPORTS NCAA: Mapua gears up for possibility of title defense without its star SPORTS UAAP Finals: Past is past for La Salle, UP as title duel begins READ: UAAP Finals: NU Lady Bulldogs survive UST in Game 1UST coach Haydee Ong after losing Game 1. #UAAPSeason87 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/pYOduqdsIO
— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) December 8, 2024
“The girls did very well and I’m so proud of them. Balik kami uli, Game 2. Hopefully, manalo kami.”
Article continues after this advertisementTacky Tacatac misfired on a potential game-winning triple from the left corner as the Lady Bulldogs escaped and moved a win away from reclaiming the crown.
Article continues after this advertisementThe Tigresses, who ended NU’s seven-year reign in an epic Game 3 last year, seek to force a decider on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Article continues after this advertisement READ: UST ousts Adamson, returns to UAAP women’s basketball Finals vs NUOng said she will stick to what they did well in this game forcing 31 turnovers with 16 team steals and shooting 27-of-79 — 19 more shooting attempts than NU
“Yung mga miscues namin sa defense namin, yun yung mga tatargetin namin for two more days. Kung ano yung mga kailangan namin gawin. And we’ll be back stronger. That’s the game plan talaga, to take more attempts and hopefully, maka-convert in Game 2,” said Ong, whose team had 16 steals and forced 31 turnovers.
Kent Pastrana finished with a game-high 22 points, six rebounds and three steals to pace UST.
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. Subscribe to our daily newsletter
SIGN ME UP READ NEXT PVL: Jema Galanza delivers anew for Creamline NBA: Evan Mobley scores career high, Cavaliers rout Hornets EDITORS' PICK S. Korean ex-defense minister arrested after martial law fiasco – media Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has left the country – war monitor 11 gifts for aspiring and veteran athletes (or yourself, too) LIVE: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 1 - La Salle vs UP DA to sell cheaper rice at train stations Chelsea Manalo excited to come home after Miss Universe 2024 stint MOST READ 1-Pacman party-list nominee Milka Romero reaches out to Cebu seniors Power interruptions in Metro Manila, Calabarzon on Dec 9-14 LIVE: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals Game 1 - La Salle vs UP Pay guidelines for Dec. 8 holiday issued Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments