By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana found her rhythm when it mattered most as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses prevailed over the Adamson University Lady Falcons, 58-55, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball at the Adamson Gym on Sunday, September 15.
With the score tied at 55-all, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year awardee stepped up with a go-ahead basket to give the Growling Tigresses a 57-55 advantage with more than a minute remaining in the fourth quarter.
The Growling Tigresses then forced the Lady Falcons to miss on the next possession before Brigette Santos extended the lead to three points with a split free throw in the final 9.8 seconds of the game.
Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong said she was relieved that they pulled off the victory despite trailing in the first three quarters, with the largest at 37-28 early in the third quarter.
“Sabi ko na lang sa players na one good stop and one good offense. Kahit pangit na ‘yung first 39 minutes namin, basta maayos na lang ‘yung execution namin sa last minute,” Ong said.
“Bad game talaga, but still a win is a win. Pag-uusapan pa namin at titignan sa viewing kung bakit slow start, bad defense at bad offense,” she said.
“Credit din to Adamson because they outhustled us today,” she added.
Pastrana finished with 15 points on 6-of-20 shooting to go with 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Rachelle Ambos contributed 10 points and six rebounds as the Growling Tigresses improved to a 3-0 win-loss slate.
Cris Padilla led the Lady Falcons with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Elaine Etang chipped in 11 points as they dropped to a 1-1 win-loss record./ASC, WDJ
UST 58 — Pastrana 15, Ambos 10, Bron 8, Soriano 6, Tacatac 6, Santos 4, Sierba 4, Danganan 4, Relliquette 1, Dionisio 0, Maglupay 0, Pineda 0, Pescador 0, Serrano 0.
ADAMSON 55 — Padilla 19, Etang 11, Apag 6, Agojo 6, Alaba 6, Adeshina 3, Manilmos 3, Cortez 1, Limbago 0, Meniano 0, Alaba 0, Mazo 0, Bajo 0, Ornopia 0.
Quarterscores: 17-22, 28-35, 40-44, 58-55.