Pasay: University of Santo Tomas clobbered Adamson University, 95-66, Wednesday to earn the first Final Four berth in the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kent Pastrana finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, three steals and a block as the Growling Tigresses made it to the semifinals for the seventh straight season. Karylle Sierba chipped in 13 points, four assists, four steals and three rebounds for UST, which rolled to its ninth win, ahead of defending champion National University (8-1).

‘I think the final score does not say that it’s going to be easy for this season – it’s still all hard work,’ head coach Haydee Ong said. “After Season 87, we really prepared for this season to reclaim the crown. Slowly but surely, we’re on track to our target because we are in the Final Four now. Hopefully, we’ll keep on winning in the second round.”

Coi Danganan had 11 points and six rebounds while Rachelle Ambos also scored 11 points and grabbed six boards for UST, which posted a commanding 73-53 lead going into the final quarter. Gilas Pilipinas Women 3×3 standout Elaine Etang delivered 23 points, five steals and three assists, while Cheska Apag added 16 points, four rebounds and four steals for Adamson, which slid to sixth place at 3-6.

Meanwhile, defending champion National University trounced University of the Philippines, 82-61, to extend its winning streak to seven games. Ana Pingol had 16 points, 10 rebounds, five steals and four assists.

In the other game, Ateneo de Manila University banked on reigning two-time MVP Kacey dela Rosa to conquer Far Eastern University, 82-70. Dela Rosa finished with 21 points, 23 rebounds, three blocks, three assists and one steal as the Blue Eagles improved their record to 6-3 for third place.

FEU (4-5) is fourth, followed by De La Salle University (3-5). University of the Philippines (2-6) and University of the East (0-8), are seventh and eighth, respectively.