MANILA -- University of Santo Tomas bucked the absence of their head coach to overpower National University-Nazareth School, 85-57, and take a huge step towards clinching the UAAP Season 87 girls' basketball title.

The Junior Growling Tigresses cruised to victory in Game 1 of the best-of-3 Finals on Thursday at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan even with head coach Sen Dysangco serving a one-game suspension for violating the league's cooling-off period policy.

Instead, it was assistant coach Allana Lim -- a UAAP women's basketball icon -- who called the shots for the top-seeded squad.

READ: NU-Nazareth, UST dispute high school basketball supremacy

This is already the Junior Growling Tigresses' third win over NU-Nazareth this season. They edged them 75-69 in the first round last February 6, then romped to a 91-66 win in the second round just last March 6 for a preliminary round sweep.

The UST Junior Growling Tigresses in Game 1 of the UAAP Season 87 girls' basketball Finals against National University-Nazareth School, March 13, 2025 at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. UAAP Media

"Unang-una, we're so proud of these girls. Itong panalo na ito para kay coach Sen. Deserve nila itong panalo na ito. It's a collective effort, hindi lang sa mga players, hanggang sa management at support ng college team and coaches. Yung sinabi nga ni coach Sen namin, naprepare na namin kayo sa magiging laban natin so huwag niyo isipin na wala ako sa game," Lim said.

After Aubrey Lapasaran converted a four-point play to cut UST's lead to 47-43, the Junior Growling Tigresses responded with a crucial 15-6 run, establishing a 62-49 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

UST capitalized on Lapasaran's foul trouble, as she sat out much of the second half after picking up her fourth foul with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter.

The Junior Growling Tigresses then opened the final frame with 11 unanswered points, burying Bullpups in a 77-49 deficit that proved insurmountable.

Defense played a critical role for UST, as they limited NUNS to just 21 second-half points on a dismal 8-of-36 shooting clip. The Junior Growling Tigresses also collected 21 steals and forced 33 turnovers in a dominant defensive display.

Presumptive MVP Barby Dajao starred for UST with 25 points, 14 rebounds, five assists, and five steals. Rhiane Perez contributed 16 points, 12 rebounds, five steals, four assists, and a block.

Lea Pinuela added 14 points, five rebounds, four steals, and three assists, while Sandra Abrantes chipped in 14 points, seven rebounds, and one steal. Katrina Insoy rounded out UST's balanced attack with 12 points, five steals, three assists, and two rebounds.

Meanwhile, NUNS struggled to crack UST's defense, losing all three meetings against the Junior Growling Tigresses—their only defeats of the season.

Marielle Avila led the Lady Bullpups with 15 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Lapasaran was held to 13 points on 4-of-17 shooting, along with seven rebounds, five steals, and three assists.

UST will aim to complete their perfect season and clinch the crown on Thursday, March 20, at the same San Juan venue.

The Scores:

UST 85 - Dajao 25, Perez 16, Pinuela 14, Abrantes 14, Insoy 12, Wenceslao 2, Tambawan 2, Onate 0, Banate 0, Anonuevo 0, Boteros 0.

NU 57 - Avila 15, Lapasaran 13, Mallari 8, Pascua 7, Badajos 5, Trinidad 4, Abong 2, Katigbak 2, Sales 1, Singson 0, Aycardo 0.

Quarterscores: 27-19, 44-36, 62-49, 85-57.