In a game fitting to inaugurate the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League, University of Santo Tomas proved the future is now, overpowering seasoned Discovery, 82-67, on Sunday, Jan. 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

The league’s first-ever contest embodied the spirit of the WMPBL—a battle between the old guard and the next generation.

While Discovery leaned on its veteran core, led by former national team star and now-assistant coach Allana Lim, the Tigresses' youthful energy and precision were too much to overcome.

Freshman Karylle Sierba led all scorers with 14 points on an efficient 6-for-12 shooting performance, while Nigerian center Oma Onianwa delivered a near double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds for the Growling Tigresses.

The Tigresses pulled away in the second quarter, closing the first half with a decisive 10-0 run that set the tone for the rest of the game.

UST built a lead as large as 27 points, making it difficult for Discovery to rally back.

Lim, despite the loss, led Perlas with 17 points and nine assists, while Camille Sambile added 13 markers in the losing effort.

Nicole Danganan of UST etched her name in WMPBL history by scoring the league’s first-ever point, converting 1-of-2 free throws to open the game.

The league’s opening ceremonies were graced by Senators Manny Pacquiao and Francis Tolentino, who both delivered inspirational speeches alongside WMPBL Commissioner Haydee Ong.

“This league is more than a competition. It is a platform for empowerment and a celebration of excellence for Filipinas who dare to dream big. Ito ang liga para sa bawat Pilipina na nangarap at lumaban,” said Pacquiao, the league's chairman.

“Sa WMPBL, hindi lang sila bahagi ng laro, sila ang puso ng bawat laro,” he added.

In other matches in this invitational tournament supported by Uratex, Discovery Suites, Red Dynasty, Gotobox, Gerry’s Grill, Prettiest, Team Graphitee, Evo Performance Helmets, Ryzen Helmets, Katinko, Dorayd, Sogo Hotel, Global Bosny Manufacturing, and Bavin, the Imus Sis-VBL Lady Magdalo and the New Zealand-Bluefire Valkyries also secured victories.

The Lady Magdalo edged out the PSP Lady Gymers in a tight 73-70 battle despite the ejection of head coach Alex De Los Santos.

Khaterine Cantimbuhan led Imus with 17 points and three assists, while Annie Grace Pamaran and Nikka Villanueva contributed 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Meanwhile, La Salle great Snow Peñaranda made history for the Valkyries by delivering the WMPBL’s first double-double, scoring 25 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in their narrow 54-51 victory over the Cavite-Tol Patriots.

Clinging to a slim one-point lead in the final minute, New Zealand-Bluefire sealed the win with two clutch free throws from Cameroonian big Fina Tchuido.

For PSP -- a team coached by Terrence Romeo, Jeedel Bartolo stood out with a game-high 18 points, sinking four triples, while Charmaine Lepardo was the lone double-digit scorer for Cavite with 11 points.

Games on Wednesday will be announced on Monday afternoon with all tilts airing  live on IBC 13, as well as on the league’s official Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The Scores:

First Game
UST 82 – Sierba 14, Onianwa 13, Tacatac 9, Soriano 9, Pineda 8, Santos 7, Pastrana 6, Ambos 5, Danganan 5, Pescador 3, Bron 2, Maglupay 1, Relliquette 0, Amatong 0, Serrano 0
Discovery 67 – Lim 17, Sambile 13, Ferrer 8, Gloriani 6, Anies 6, Galicia 5, Tolentino 4, Palmera-Dy 4, Villasin 3, Candelario 1, Adriano 0, Borja 0, Penaflor 0
Quarterscores: 21-17, 42-27, 60-43, 82-67

Second Game
Imus Sis-VBL 73 – Cantimbuhan 17, Pamaran 16, Villanueva 15, Cabahug 9, Flor 8, Ebio 2, Dela Cruz 2, Buenafe 2, Bañadora 2, San Diego 0, Libor 0, Taclibon 0, Dela Cuesta 0
PSP 70 – Bartolo 18, Larrosa 15, Aquino 12, Quiapo 12, Cancio 4, Ventura 3, Dionisio 2, Antonio 2, Taguiam 2, Geli 0, Tolentino 0, Buendia 0, Terrinal 0
Quarterscores: 16-14, 35-34, 60-57, 73-70

Third Game
New Zealand-Bluefire 54 – Peñaranda 25, Castillo 7, Quingco 5, Tchuido 4, Mendoza 4, Claro 3, Torres 3, Sario 3, Villamor 0, Binaohan 0, Torres 0, Ahmed 0
Cavite-Tol 51 – Lepardo 11, San Juan 8, Gonato 8, Del Prado 4, Zshomack 4, Paraiso 4, Hawkins 4, Caringal 2, Reyes 0, Casinillo 0, Magalong 0, Jimenez 0
Quarterscores: 17-14, 32-28, 38-38, 54-51