UST outduels NUNS in OT to seize UAAP girls’ basketball finals Game 1

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Junior Growling Tigresses opened the UAAP girls’ basketball finals with a 96–87 overtime victory over the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) Lady Bullpups at Blue Eagle Gym on March 15.

NUNS traded leads with UST throughout regulation before the Growling Tigresses forced overtime after a late deficit,  sending the game to an 82-all deadlock at the end of the fourth quarter. 

With 3:02 remaining in regulation, a major altercation broke out between the two teams, resulting in the ejection of Aubrey Lapasaran after committing two technical fouls.

Pia Petalcorin and KJ Badajos were each assessed one technical foul, while Janice Oczon received an unsportsmanlike foul.

After Lapasaran exited the game, UST retaliated from a six-point deficit to eventually force an extra period.

UST carried its momentum into overtime, building an 88–82 lead less than a minute into the period.

The Lady Bullpups, behind Zia Onate, Bri Katigbak and Rhys Luzana, trimmed the deficit to two points with 1:45 remaining, but the defending champions held firm.

UST responded with a decisive 9–1 run over the next minute to stretch the lead to 94-87 and move within one win of a back-to-back title.

Rhiane Perez powered the Growling Tigresses with a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds, along with five assists and three steals. 

Lea Pinuela added 23 points, six steals, two assists and one rebound. 

Meanwhile, Lapasaran contributed 28 points, six boards, three assists and steals, and one block for NUNS, while Zaydhen Rosano tallied 19 points, 14 rebounds, and eight steals for a near triple-double finish alongside four assists and a block.

UST will face NUNS again on March 22, where the Growling Tigresses can complete their title defense or the Lady Bullpups can force a deciding Game 3.