University of Santo Tomas opened its campaign with a bang after a 106-70 drubbing of Adamson while De La Salle routed University of the Philippines, 73-51, in the UAAP Season 85 women's basketball tournament Saturday morning, Oct. 1, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Tacky Tacatac led the Tigresses balanced attack with 21 points built on five triples along with five rebounds, five assists, and four steals as five other players scored in double digits.
UST used a strong second half and uncorked a commanding 18-0 run en route to a 66-34 advantage to pull away for good and never look back at that point, sealing the deal as early as the third quarter.
"We're very happy and excited that women's basketball is back in Season 85. We're happy that we got our first win but a lot of work has to be done yet. This is just the beginning," said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
Joylyn Pangilinan finished with 19 points on a 7-of-9 shooting while Fil-Am talent Nikki Villasin chipped in 15 points and six rebounds for her UAAP debut. Steph Villapando and Eka Soriano had 14 and 13 points respectively.
Rookie Dindy Medina paced the Lady Falcons with 29 points while Leslie Flor contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and four steals in a losing effort.
In the second game, Fina Niantcho flexed her way and dropped 12 of her 16 points in the first half along with 12 rebounds and three steals to help De La Salle take its first win.
Momentum is at the hands of the Lady Archers, breaking away with a 35-19 cushion by the end of the second quarter.
De La Salle showed no mercy in the payoff period and unloaded a 16-3 run, 73-41, with less than four minutes left but that proved to be it for UP.
"It's a good start for us. We just wanted to execute properly during our first game. Good thing the girls responded well," said De La Salle head coach Cholo Villanueva.
Luisa San Juan took charge in the second half, scoring 10 of her 12 points, while Lee Sario added nine points and eight rebounds.
Acrissa Maw was the lone bright spot for the Lady Maroons with 11 points and eight rebounds.