The UST Junior Tigresses pummeled the DLSZ Junior Lady Archers, 112-50, to open their UAAP Season 87 girl's basketball tournament on Sunday, Jan. 26, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan.

Rhianne Perez led UST with 21 points, seven rebounds and four steals, followed by Jannah Wenceslao who tallied a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Kassandra Tambawan was perfect from the field as she notched 13 points alongside six rebounds.

The Junior Tigresses opened the game with a 13-0 run courtesy of Gina Anonuevo, Wenceslao, Elle Boteros, Barby Dajao, and Perez.

Keisha Ogario scored DLSZ’s first points from behind the arc, however, the España-based squad was quick to counter, outscoring the Junior Lady Archers to end the opening salvo with a 14-point lead, 27-13.

Both teams traded blows to start the second frame but it was UST who took control of the quarter, pulling away from the charging DLSZ players to extend their lead to 34 at halftime, 54-20.

Tambawan opened the third salvo with a 16-0 run to start off the second half, giving the Junior Tigresses more ground against the Muntinlupa-based squad, 72-23.

UST continued to bury the Junior Lady Archers, closing the third frame with a 49-point lead, 81-32.

Erica De Luna scored the opening basket in the fourth canto but was immediately smothered by the offense of the Junior Tigresses, 91-34.

DLSZ’s efforts late in the game proved to be too little too late as the España-based squad ended the game holding a 62-point lead, 112-50.

Junior Tigresses head coach Sen Dysangco praised Perez’s hard work, stating that she has been an inspiration to her teammates.

“Yung nakita natin na performance niya [Rhianne Perez], it's because of her hard work. I mean, I hope everyone can see how hard she works everyday during practice,” Dysangco said.

“She’s a role model sa mga kakampi niya,” the long-time Growling Tigresses assistant coach added.

This tournament marks the return of the girl’s division in the UAAP after five years of absence.

UST will look to go for back-to-back wins as they face the Ateneo Blue Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 2, in the same venue.