Last year's MVP was unmatched down low for the Golden Tigresses as she went 12-of-20 from the field, while also grabbing 13 rebounds and two blocks to keep the Espana side at the top of the standings at 3-0.
Lon Rivera added 14 points, eight boards, three steals, and two assists, as Tantoy Ferrer got herself a double-double with 13 points and 18 rebounds in the win.
UST bucked its slow start and slowly pulled away in the third frame, flipping a close 46-42 lead to a commanding 64-50 advantage.
"We had a slow start nung first half, playing dismal defense so I told the girls that we need to go back sa trasition defense because doon kami nalalamangan ng Ateneo," said coach Haydee Ong.
The win set UST up to a collision course against defending champion National University on Sunday in a battle of unbeaten teams.
The Scores:
UST 91 -- Irebu 33, Rivera 14, Ferrer 13, Portillo 9, Callangan 6, soriano 5, Tacatac 4, Gandalla 3, Gonzales 2, Panti 2, Sangalang 0.
ATENEO 73 -- Villamor 17, Yam 15, Guytingco 12, Moslares 7, Payac 7, Aquisap 3, Cancio 3, Chu 3, Joson 3, Newsome 3, De Dios 0.
Quarterscores: 25-22, 41-39, 67-47, 91-73.
UAAP Season 82 Men's Basketball: ADMU (Light) vs UST (Dark)
September 11, 2019 - Smart Araneta Coliseum
1st photo - Reynalyn Ferrer, UST
2nd photo - Katrina Guytingco, ADMU
3rd photo - Grace Irebu, UST
4th photo - Eka Soriano, UST
5th photo - Grace Irebu, UST
6th photo - Jhaz Joson, ADMU
7th photo - Lon Rivera, UST
8th photo - Alyssa Villamor, ADMU
9th photo - Alyssa Villamor, ADMU
10th photo - Hazelle Yam, ADMU