PASTRANA DROPS CAREER-HIGH AS UST BLASTS UE BY 75
By: Joaquin Cortez
Kent Pastrana erupted for a career-high 35 points as the Strong Group-powered University of Santo Tomas claimed a decisive 125-50 victory over University of the East on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay, securing a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Following her 25-point outing against University of the Philippines last November 5, Pastrana continued her red-hot form, shooting 13-of-21 from the field and adding 12 rebounds, five steals, two assists, and a block. She finished with an efficient plus-50 rating in just 18 minutes and 51 seconds on the court.
“I am so happy sa performance ko today. I always tell myself to give my best for the team in every game, and as a leader, I’ll do my best to help my teammates and coaches,” Pastrana said.
The Growling Tigresses improved to a perfect 11-0, averaging a 37-point winning margin per game. They now carry momentum into a challenging stretch against Ateneo de Manila University, defending champion National University, and Far Eastern University to close the elimination round.
“Of course, very proud sa ginawa ng players namin. We just want to carry on our momentum going into the playoffs, especially since one game last weekend was canceled. The next two opponents are Ateneo and NU, so we want to stay consistent,” said UST assistant coach Ged Austria, whose squad scored the highest output in UAAP women’s basketball since NU’s 131-47 win over UE on October 2, 2022.
UST set the tone early, posting 33 first-quarter points and sending UE into a 70-29 halftime deficit. The Growling Tigresses maintained control in the third quarter, with Pastrana scoring 17 of UST’s 27 points while holding the Lady Warriors to just nine, building a 97-38 lead entering the final frame.
The Tigresses’ balanced attack featured six double-digit scorers. Nigerian center Oma Onianwa contributed 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block, while Rachelle Ambos added 11 points with seven rebounds and three assists. Coi Danganan scored 11 points with six rebounds, and Karylle Sierba also had 11 points, including three triples. UST finished with 58 rebounds, 36 assists, and 22 steals.
UST will aim to clinch the twice-to-beat advantage when it faces Ateneo on Saturday, November 15, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
