Manila, Sept. 26 -- University of Santo Tomas demolished University of the East, 103-58, to kick off its title defense in the UAAP Season 89 women's basketball Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Brig Santos, in her final year with the Growing Tigresses, finished with 18 points, four rebounds and two steals, while sophomore Erinn McAlary scored a career-high 14 points to go along with five rebounds and two blocks.

"Of course, it's our first game so there were jitters in the first half, then during the second half, that was the time the girls settled down and the defense and offense were a much better flow. It was a team effort, everybody contributed, especially the rookies," UST head coach Haydee Ong said after the game.

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