University of Santo Tomas struggled before beating University of the East, 76-74, and stretching its winning run to five to remain solo leader of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines  Season 74 women’s basketball tournament at the Blue Eagle gym on Wednesday.

The Lady Warriors dropped to their fifth consecutive loss, but not without posting a surprisingly gallant stand.

UE, never a champion in UAAP women’s hoops, grabbed a 13-12 first-quarter lead and forced UST to six deadlocks and nine lead changes in the nail-biting match.

De La Salle University, behind Hannah Viterbo’s 16 points and Aracelie Abaca and Inna Corcuera’s 13 and 12 markers, respectively, notched its fourth win in five outings with a 62-52 victory over National University.

Abac also hauled down 16 rebounds and C. Corcuera 14 caroms for the Lady Archers, who dealt the Bullpups their fourth loss also in five outings. Kristina Tolentino led NU with 20 points and 11 rebounds and Gemma Miranda with 16 markers and 13 caroms.

Dianne Ventura, who had 10 points and four rebounds for UE, missed what could have been the game-winner for the Lady Warriors in the dying seconds.

In the ensuing UST offensive, Mary Joy Galicia drew a foul from a now desperate UE squad and split her charities, but it was enough to abort what was to be the biggest upset so far in the young season.

Galicia had a game-high 25 points to go with her nine rebounds, while three other Tigresses also finished in double figures—Rina Laud 16, Juvelyn Andaya 16 and Marian Mejia 11 and 13 rebounds.

UE, which outrebounded UST 61 to 51, was led by the 18 points each of Katherine Tan and Cindy Resultay and the 17 of Cecilla Junsay. Resultay was again the queen of the boards with 30 rebounds, with Tan hauling down 12 caroms.