MANILA — University of Santo Tomas (UST) stamped its supremacy in UAAP Season 88 women’s 3×3 basketball, crushing Far Eastern University (FEU), 21-11, in the finals at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Parañaque City to reclaim the championship in emphatic fashion.
The Growling Tigresses completed a flawless nine-game sweep and secured their third title in four years, underscoring their dominance with an average winning margin of nearly 11 points per contest.
Coi Danganan spearheaded UST’s title-clinching win with nine points, while Kent Jane Pastrana and Brigette Santos chipped in five markers each in a balanced offensive display.
Pastrana, who capped her collegiate career on a high note, was named tournament Most Valuable Player after leading UST’s unbeaten campaign and adding a fourth UAAP championship and second 3×3 MVP award to her résumé.
“It’s a mix of emotions. I’m very happy, but also sad because I’m leaving the team and UST,” Pastrana said. “Thank you to my teammates for their heart in the game, and to our coaches and supporters.”
UST’s defense proved just as decisive, limiting FEU’s top scorer Amyah Espanol to only two points without a field goal. Victoria Pasilang paced the Lady Tamaraws with six points in the losing effort.
The Tigresses booked their finals berth after a commanding 21-10 rout of Adamson University in the semifinals, while FEU advanced by eliminating defending champion Ateneo de Manila University, 21-16.
Ateneo salvaged a podium finish, securing the bronze medal behind Kacey Dela Rosa, who delivered 12 points in a narrow 16-14 victory over Adamson.
Meanwhile, University of the East’s Sybil Oñate earned Rookie of the Year honors in the women’s division./PN
