Tigresses arrest skid with squeaker over Lady Tams

ANTIPOLO — University of Santo Tomas put an end to its two-game skid and escaped with a tight 56-55 escape over Far Eastern University Sunday in the UAAP Season 82 Women's Basketball Tournament at Ynares Center here.

Grace Irebu led the Golden Tigresses with 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks as they averted disaster after losing a 13-point lead in the third frame.

"We are lucky to win this game," said coach Haydee Ong. "We had crucial passing errors that were converted by FEU. We are just fortunate to get this one"

Choy Bahuyan led the Lady Tamaraws' rally, with her split from the line cutting the deficit down to one with 1:33 remaining.

Clare Castro had a chance to win the game for FEU, but her short stab rimmed out as UST grabbed crucial offensive boards to pull off the slim victory.

Lon Rivera added nine points, five rebounds, and two assists, while Jeorge Panti had seven points, six boards, and two dimes in the win to improve its standing to 3-2 and force a three-way tie for second place with FEU and Adamson.

Bahuyan carried the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points and five rebounds, while Judy Abat had 12 points, five boards, two assists, and two steals.

Castro was limited to just three points as she shot 1-of-10 from the field in the defeat.

"It's not easy to defend Clare because she is stronger and taller than me. I needed to not see that and do my best on both offense and defense," said Irebu, the league's reigning MVP.

The Scores:

UST 56 — Irebu 21, Rivera 9, Panti 7, Callangan 5, Ferrer 3, Gonzales 3, Soriano 3, Tacatac 3, Portillo 2, Gandalla 0, Javier 0.

FEU 55 — Bahuyan 16, Abat 12, Jumuad 10, Mamaril 6, Quiapo 5, Castro 3, Vidal 3, Adriano 0, Antiola 0, Bastatas 0, Delos Santos 0, Payadon 0.

Quarterscores: 19-15, 32-27, 49-42, 56-55.