UST's Brig Santos in action against UE in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, September 26, 2026 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA — University of Santo Tomas opened its title defense with an emphatic 103-58 demolition of the University of the East, Saturday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The Growling Tigresses no longer have mainstays Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball tournament, but they picked up where they left off and took care of business against the Lady Warriors.
"Siyempre, first game there were jitters noong first half, then during the second half, that was the time the girls settled down and 'yong defense and offense were a much better flow," UST head coach Haydee Ong said. "It was a team effort, everybody contributed, especially 'yong mga rookies."
READ: Tigresses embrace new leadership in Season 89 title defense
UST was still feeling its way early, holding just a 16-14 lead midway through the opening quarter before uncorking a 17-6 run to close the frame and build a 33-20 advantage.
The Growling Tigresses' stifling defense proved too much for UE to handle as UST outscored the Lady Warriors, 27-14, in the third quarter, stretching its lead to as many as 34 points before entering the final frame with a commanding 83-49 cushion.
Brig Santos, who is in her final year with UST, finished with 18 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while sophomore Erinn McAlary, filling the huge void left by Pastrana, scored a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks in 19 minutes and 22 seconds of action.
Karylle Sierba and CJ Maglupay rounded out the Tigresses' balanced offensive attack with 10 points apiece.
For UE, Sy Onate led the team with 16 points, followed by Rachel Lacayanga, who posted a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
The Growling Tigresses dominated the boards, grabbing 62 rebounds, including 30 on the offensive end, while converting those extra possessions into 29 second-chance points.
UST's bench also took over, outscoring UE's reserves, 72-33.
The Growling Tigresses will next face Adamson University on Saturday, Oct. 3, at 9:00 a.m., while the Lady Warriors take on De La Salle University on Sunday, Oct. 4, at 10:00 a.m.
The Scores:
UST 103 - Santos 18, McAlary 14, Sierba 10, Maglupay 10, Onianwa 8, K. Danganan 8, Boteros 7, C. Danganan 7, Tate 6, Ambos 5, Pescador 4, Relliquette 2, Dajao 2, Bron 2, Wenceslao 0.
UE 58 - Onate 16, Lacayanga 15, Lumibao 8, Buscar 7, Vacalares 4, Ronquillo 3, Gullim 3, Dalguntas 2, Cruz 0, Ramos 0, Sajol 0.
Quarterscores: 33-20, 56-35, 83-49, 103-58.