UST Triumphs Over UP, Sets Final Showdown with NU in UAAP Women’s Basketball

Quezon City, Philippines – The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses secured their place in the finals of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament, defeating the University of the Philippines (UP) 87-83. The decisive game took place at Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Saturday, setting the stage for a championship face-off against the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Kent Pastrana played a pivotal role for UST, scoring 18 points. This victory propels the Growling Tigresses into the best-of-three title series against NU, which is set to begin on November 29 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. NU, aiming for its eighth consecutive title, concluded the elimination round with a strong 13-1 win-loss record.

Pastrana expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the finals against NU, emphasizing the team’s commitment to excel. She, along with teammates Angelika Soriano and Rocel Dionisio, were instrumental in establishing a 74-66 lead for UST in the third quarter, countering UP’s rally led by Favour Onoh, Kaye Pesquera, and Achrissa Maw.

Despite UP’s valiant effort in the fourth quarter, reducing their deficit from 77-86 to 83-86 in the final 15 seconds, UST held on to their lead. UST coach Haydee Ong, who also led the team to the Season 82 final, praised her team’s collective effort and acknowledged UP’s strong challenge.

Brigette Santos made significant contributions with 14 points, including 10 in the first quarter, along with five steals and four rebounds. Angelina Villasin added 12 points and four rebounds, Reynalyn Ferrer contributed 11 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, and one block, and Ana Tacatac also scored 11 points for UST.

UP, which had earlier forced the rubber match with an 88-80 overtime win in Game 1 on Wednesday, saw five players score in double figures. Onoh led with 21 points and 14 rebounds, followed by Pesquera with 20 points, and additional contributions from Maw, Louna Ozar, and Christine Bariquit.