The University of the Philippines (UP) Fighting Lady Maroons plunged into a 55-point slip, 48-103, against the defensive charge of the University of Sto. Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses in the UAAP Season 82 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, September 7.
It was UP rookie Rei Sanchez who carried the cudgels for the Fighting Lady Maroons with 11 points from the field, while Jona Lebico and Mika de Leon chipped 10 points each.
However, the tall order of UAAP Season 81 MVP Grace Irebu remained unmatched by the UP defense as Irebu tallied 23 points for the Tigresses.
The Diliman-based squad struggled breaking through the inside baskets in the first half as UST commanded the perimeter with 12 rebounds against UP’s six. UP remained limited to 18 buckets in the second half after UST capitalized on a full-court press defense.
The Lady Maroons gave off a total of 36 points from unforced turnovers, allowing the Tigresses to notch a 30-point cushion at the end of the third quarter.
Still adjusting to the new system under new head coach Paul Ramos, the fresh UP lineup admits fear inside the court.
“Nakulangan po kami sa kumpiyansa, natalo po kami sa emosyon namin, sa takot namin,” said Sanchez.
“Ito pa lang yung simula namin. Sabi nga ni Coach Paul, it’s a process,” she added.
The Lady Maroons will be facing the Adamson University Soaring Falcons on September 15 at the Mall of Asia Arena. Arena.
QUARTER SCORES: 17-26, 30-48, 38-76, 48-103
