KENT Pastrana came to University of Santo Tomas' rescue as the Growling Tigresses send Ateneo crashing back to earth with a 75-66 victory in the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball tournament on Saturday at Blue Eagle Gym in Quezon City.
The Gilas Pilipinas Women guard took over in the crucial third frame for the visitors, uncorking nine of her 28 points in the period to flip the game from a 41-35 halftime deficit to a 56-45 advantage.
That was all UST needed to keep Ateneo at bay as it preserved its unblemished 4-0 record.
Pastrana also hauled down 11 rebounds, and added four steals and two assists for the Growling Tigresses.
Sophomore Karylle Sierba also supported the cause with her 12 points and four boards, as Bridgette Santos got 10 points, eight steals, five assists, and four rebounds.
Ateneo suffered its first loss to fall to 4-1 as reigning back-to-back MVP Kacey dela Rosa was held to just six points and nine rebounds.
"Of course, we wanted to have a minimum touches for Kacey and that happened di ba," said UST coach Haydee Ong. "Yung perimeter [shots] nila were connecting on the outside and sabi ko nga, we adjusted on our defense. Yung mga bata hindi bumigay and they just followed the gameplan and we’re happy na we won the game tonight."
Camille Malagar paced the Blue Eagles with 12 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, but had seven of the team's 31 turnovers, while Sarah Makanjuola had a double-double of 11 points and 10 boards in the losing cause.
The Scores:
UST 75 -- Pastrana 28, Sierba 12, Santos 10, Ambos 7, Soriano 6, McAlary 4, Onianwa 2, Bron 2, C. Danganan 2, Maglupay 1, Serrano 1, Relliquette 0, Pineda 0, Pescador 0.
ATENEO 66 -- Malagar 12, Makanjuola 11, Villacruz 9, Cancio 9, De Luna 9, Oani 8, Dela Rosa 6, Lopez 1, Batongbakal 1, Cruza 0, Olivenza 0.
Quarters: 19-19, 35-41, 56-48, 75-66.
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