The UST Golden Tigresses and the Ateneo Blue Eagles are the pace setters in UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball.
UST’s redemption run is going at full steam ahead in UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball, with a 3-0 start to their campaign, highlighted by a resounding victory against title rivals NU Lady Bulldogs over the weekend.
Finding a consistent weapon in foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa, the Growling Tigresses have shaped up to be the team to beat — handing blowout losses to their foes.
The season hosts opened their campaign with a 49-point beatdown against the DLSU Lady Archers, 105-56, asserting their mastery in their earliest match of the tournament putting them on a high before even facing NU.
Then, they drubbed the NU Lady Bulldogs in a convincing victory, beating the defending champions in a convincing win, 76-62.
But it isn’t just UST shaping up as one of the favorites, with two-time MVP Kacey Dela Rosa’s Ateneo Blue Eagles also undefeated in their three games so far.
Now with more pieces to support her with the likes of Kai Oani and Milly Malagar providing offense, the Blue Eagles are looking like more of a complete team.
Their improvement was made apparent after a big win over their tormentors last year Adamson, 70-60.
However, the rest of the field is within striking distance — with the Lady Bulldogs (2-1) still firmly competitive despite their loss against UST.
The UP Fighting Maroons (2-1) are also showing flashes of brilliance with the resurgence of sophomore guard Camille Nolasco and the veteran play of Louna Ozar.
Meanwhile, the Lady Falcons broke through for their first win under new head coach Jed Colonia with the victory over the FEU Lady Tamaraws in an escape act, 57-56, over the weekend.
Both teams are already on the board at 1-2.
Two teams are seeking their first wins as well, with the UE Lady Warriors and the DLSU Lady Archers at the bottom of the field with 0-3 records.
With action in full swing, the UAAP women’s tournament is shaping up to be an exciting feature.
[ALSO READ: SCHEDULE, RESULTS | UAAP Season 88 basketball guide, where to watch, highlights, more]
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.