THE crown is back in Espana, at least for the ladies.
University of Santo Tomas turned on the jets in a blistering 34-point third quarter to reclaim the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball championship via a 79-64 Game Three rout of rival National U Sunday at SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Elite Team member Kent Pastrana made sure that there will be confetti for her curtain call, firing 16 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and five steals to be adjudged as undisputed Finals MVP.
Yet what mattered more was the trophy, with this being the Growling Tigresses' second in three seasons to close the third part of this trilogy.
Oma Onianwa also played big in the clincher, notching 12 points, seven boards, and two blocks, as former MVP Eka Soriano also had her swansong with 10 points and five rebounds.
Karylle Sierba drailed two treys for her 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while CJ Maglupay also had 10 points and eight boards.
Tin Cayabyab valiantly put the Lady Bulldogs on her shoulders, trying her earnest to rally from a 21-point hole and trimmed it down to just 10, 74-64, with 4:32 to play, but Onianwa and Agatha Bron shut the door on the defending champions with crucial baskets late.
Cayabyab topped NU with 19 points and four rebounds in the runner-up finish.
Aloha Betanio got 11 points, seven assists, and six boards, as Marga Villanueva had 10 points and two rebounds for the Lady Bulldogs.
Angel Surada ended her collegiate career with seven points and 13 rebounds, while Season MVP Karl Ann Pingol was held to just six points, five assists, and four assists in the loss.
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