MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses survived several fight backs by the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons to escape with an 87-83 victory to reach the finals of UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball over the weekend at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana led the way with 18 points and five rebounds for the Growling Tigresses, which secured the remaining finals seat after disposing the Fighting Maroons in the do-or-die Game 2.
Bridgette Santos added 14 markers, with 10 coming in the first quarters, Nikki Villasin and Tacky Tacatac contributed 12 and 11 points, respectively, while Tantoy Ferrer tallied 11 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists for UST.
“I would just like to commend my team who really worked hard for this Finals appearance. It’s a team effort, lahat tumrabaho from the start to the finish,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
“We know that UP is a resilient team so I told the ladies that we have to protect the lead and we did up to the last quarter,” added the long-time Growling Tigresses coach.
The Growling Tigresses were comfortably ahead at 67-50 early in the third quarter, but the Fighting Maroons went on a huge run as they cut the deficit to 63-67 with a 13-0 scoring blast.
UST created separation anew in the fourth quarter as they established a 77-86 lead, but UP made its last push at 83-86 with under a minute left. Santos sealed the win for the Growling Tigresses with a split free throw.
“Sobrang grateful kasi binigay sa amin itong opportunity na ito na lumaban sa Finals against NU. Gagawin pa rin namin ang best namin hanggang makuha namin yung panalo,” said Pastrana.
The second-ranked Growling Tigresses will face the reigning champions National University Lady Bulldogs in the best-of-three finals beginning on Wednesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Favour Onoh paced the Fighting Maroons with a double-double of 21 points and 14 rebounds, Kaye Pesquera chipped in 20 points and rookie Louna Ozar was held to just 13 points./PN
