Manila: University of Santo Tomas (UST) ended National University’s (NU) reign after a 79-64 win in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball Finals Sunday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. NU had taken Game 1, 84-79, but UST, which swept the elimination round, bounced back in Game 2 with a 95-70 victory to force the deciding match.
According to Philippines News Agency, Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, both playing their final season, led the Growling Tigresses to a league-best 13th championship. Pastrana delivered 16 points, nine rebounds, five assists, five steals, and one block, earning the Finals MVP award, while Soriano, the Season 85 MVP, added 10 points, six assists, and five rebounds.
“We are just so happy because of our sacrifices, how many years we have been together at UST, this is the result. I am overwhelmed because my goal is not to win the Finals MVP, my only goal is to win the championship. I will miss my teammates, I will miss my opponents here in the UAAP because this is my last game with Eka,” said Pastrana, a four-time Elite Team member.
Nigerian center Oma Onianwa made 15 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, and one steal. Karylle Sierba had 10 points, seven rebounds, and three assists while CJ Maglupay scored 10 points on top of eight rebounds.
‘Kent and Eka are my cornerstones. Without them, we might have a hard time getting another championship,’ said UST head coach Haydee Ong. ‘We played for each other, we played with heart and pride together. Down in the second quarter, the kids didn’t give up,’ Ong added.
After struggling in the first quarter, the Growling Tigresses fought back behind Pastrana, Sierba, and CJ Maglupay to take a 37-30 halftime lead and never looked back. For NU, Tin Cayabyab scored 21 points with six rebounds, Aloha Betanio had 11 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Marga Villanueva contributed 10 points. Angel Surada posted seven points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks. MVP Ann Pingol had six points, six rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals.
