UST's Karylle Sierba in action against Adamson in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, October 3, 2026 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas cruised to a second straight win in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament on Saturday, roaring past Adamson University 83-65 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
The Growling Tigresses improved to 2-0 in the tournament while dropping the Lady Falcons to a 0-2 slate.
Karylle Sierba paced UST with 20 points and three steals, followed by Coi Danganan with 15 points and four rebounds. Agatha Bron chipped in 13 points for the Growling Tigresses.
Adamson gave the defending champions a fight in the opening half, keeping the Growling Tigresses within striking distance as Brianna Bajo and Danganan traded three-pointers before UST took a 44-36 lead into the break.
The Growling Tigresses began to pull away in the third quarter, outscoring Adamson, 23-16, to build a 15-point cushion heading into the final frame, 67-52.
UST then turned up the pressure defensively, holding the Lady Falcons scoreless for nearly three minutes as Brig Santos knocked down a midrange jumper to stretch the Growling Tigresses' lead to 19, 71-52.
The Tigresses kept Adamson at bay throughout the final frame, with Oma Oniawa's free throw putting the game further out of reach with over two minutes remaining as UST cruised to the victory.
Head coach Haydee Ong was not satisfied despite the comfortable win, noting that the Lady Falcons kept UST from playing at the fast pace that the Growling Tigresses prefer.
"We changed our defense in the second half, and I think 'yung zone defense namin nagkaroon ng hard time 'yung Adamson … but we'll go back to the board, see our mistakes, and correct them," said Ong.
"Kailangan lang po naming mas maging consistent sa effort namin. 'Di po kasi consistent ang defense and offense," Danganan said. "Sabi nga sa amin ni Coach Haydee, 'Sabayan mo namin ang pace nila and it's not our pace.' So next game, we'll do our best to get our pace namin."
Cheska Apag led Adamson with 19 points and three steals, while Elaine Etang added 13 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
The Growling Tigresses will next face last season's finals foes, the Lady Bulldogs, on Saturday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Adamson will look to bounce back against the University of the Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 10 a.m. at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
UST 83 - Sierba 20, C. Danganan 15, Bron 13, Santos 9, Onianwa 7, Maglupay 6, Ambos 5, Pescador 3, McAlary 3, K. Danganan 2, Relliquette 0, Tate 0, Boteros, 0.
Adamson 65 - Apag 19, Etang 13, Adeshina 8, Munoz 6, Meniano 5, Bajo 3, Carcallas 3, Limbago 2, Manlimos 2, Burgos 2, Medina 2, Alaba 0, Mazo 0, Cortez 0.
Quarterscores: 23-15, 44-36, 67-52, 83-65.