By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses leaned on a solid outing from Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana as they defeated the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 84-65, in the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball at Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila yesterday.
The Negros Occidental’s Silay City-native Pastrana led the way anew with 28 points, four assists and three steals as the Growling Tigresses surged to a 2-0 start in the tournament.
Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said she was not surprised by the explosive performance of Pastrana and was lucky to have her at UST.
“Of course, we were expecting these types of performances from Kent. Even when she was in Silay, I knew she was special. It was God’s will to bring her to UST,” Ong said.
With Pastrana leading the way, the Growling Tigresses were able to break away in the third canto, turning a 44-40 halftime lead into a 66-51 cushion heading into the final frame.
Pastrana, a UAAP Season 82 Rookie of the Year during her time with the De La Salle University Lady Archers, then drilled a shot clock-beating three in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 71-55.
Supporting Pastrana on offense were Tantoy Ferrer (12 points, seven rebounds), Ilongga Ana Tacatac (12 points) and Rachelle Ambos (10 points, seven rebounds).
The Lady Falcons, who fell to 0-2, were led by Elaine Etang and Cheska Apag, who scored 13 points apiece. Victoria Adeshina added 12 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and a block.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons leaned on a strong start to defeat the University of the East Red Warriors, 84-69, in the men’s basketball action at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Maodo Malick Diouf top-scored for the Fighting Maroons with 19 points to go with 16 rebounds, while Crispin John Cansino added 17 markers, including three triples, as they cruised to a 2-0 start.
UST 84 — Pastrana 28, Ferrer 12, Tacatac 12, Ambos 10, Dionisio 8, Santos 6, Soriano 3, Ly 3, Maglupay 2, Danganan 0, Serrano, 0 , Amatong 0, Bron 0.
ADAMSON 65 — Etang 13, Apag 13, Adeshina 12, Padilla 11, Limbago 8, Cortez 3, Meniano 2, Dumelod 2, Agojo 1, Bajo 0, Dampios 0, Alaba 0, Tano 0.
Quarterscores: 19-19, 44-40, 66-51, 84-65./ASC, WDJ