By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses and the De La Salle University (DLSU) Green Archers retained their titles in the UAAP Season 86 collegiate 3×3 tournament held at the Ayala Malls Manila Bay.

The Growling Tigresses narrowly defeated the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs, 21-18, with tournament MVP Kent Jane Pastrana delivering the game-winning free throws in the endgame.

“Hindi ko ma-explain ‘yung nararamdaman ko ngayon, pero blessed kami na binigay sa amin ni Lord ‘tong championship,” said Negrense Pastrana, who led the way for the Growling Tigresses with 11 points.

“Blessed kami at grateful na binigyan kami ng opportunity na makalaro sa UAAP 3×3 at makuha namin itong championship,” added Pastrana, who also steered UST to the 5×5 championship late last year.

For her part, Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said the team is dedicating the championship to Tantoy Ferrer, who played her final game with the yellow and gold.

“This was her last ride for UST, and this championship is for her. Syempre, it’s a hard-won game. Pwede rin mapunta sa NU. Thank you kay Lord na binigay Niya ulit ito sa amin,” Ong said.

Meanwhile, the Green Archers survived a tough stand by the University of the East Red Warriors, 17-16, behind the heroics of MVP Cyrus Austria to retain their men’s 3×3 championship.

“It’s very rewarding,” DLSU head coach Osmund Ng said.

“Sulit ‘yung pagod at effort ng mga players. We had to perform to keep up with the championship nung December [UAAP men’s 5×5 basketball tournament],” he added./ASC, WDJ