Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Francis Tolentino, and Commissioner Haydee Ong opened the WMPBL invitational inaugural. | Scoreline.ph
Juan Karlo Libunao (JKL)
UST Growling Tigresses open the inaugural WMPBL with a commanding win
The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses opened the inaugural Women's Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) with a dominating 82-67 victory against the Discovery Perlas on Sunday, January 19, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion in Sampaloc, Manila.
Freshman Karylle Sierba led UST with 14 points on 6-for-12 shooting from the field, while Nigerian center Oma Onianwa was named Best Player of the Game as she produced 13 markers and nine rebounds.
On the other hand, former national team star and now Discovery assistant coach Allana Lim delivered 17 points and issued nine assists to pace the team.
Lady Tigresses Nicole Danganan made history as the first-ever player to score a point in WMPBL history when she converted one of her two free throw attempts.
“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, who's also the league’s Chairman.
“Sa WMPBL, hindi lang sila bahagi ng laro, sila ang puso ng bawat laro,” he added.
Before the opening tip-off, there was an opening ceremony graced by WMBPL founder Manny Pacquiao and Senator Francis Toletino, who both delivered inspirational speeches, while Commissioner Haydee Ong also delivered one and officially opened the first-ever season of the league.
“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, who's also the league’s Chairman.
“Sa WMPBL, hindi lang sila bahagi ng laro, sila ang puso ng bawat laro,” he added.
Besides UST and Discovery, the other teams who paraded their players, coaches, and staff were Far Eastern University, Centro Escolar University, Cavite Tol Patriots, PSP Gymers, Solar Home Suns, Pilipinas Navy Aguilas, University of Santo Tomas, EZ Jersey Relentless, San Juan Lady Knights, New Zealand Bluefire Valkyries, Kalos PH-Philippine Navy Lady Sailors, and Galeries Tower Highrisers.
The Scores:
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.
Quarter Scores: 21-17, 42-27, 60-43, 82-67.
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