By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana was a thorn in the side of her former school as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses prevailed over the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Archers, 76-68, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, September 29.

The Negros Occidental’s Silay City native Pastrana led the Growling Tigresses with a double-double of 21 points and 10 rebounds to go with four steals, three blocks and two assists as they returned to their winning ways for a 4-1 win-loss slate.

“Hindi lang ako magpapadala sa pressure sa laro na ‘yun [against the Lady Archers]. I just want to lead my team to a victory,” said Pastrana, who started her UAAP career with DLSU in UAAP Season 82.

Rookie Karylle Sierba added 16 points, six rebounds and three assists, while Brigette Santos contributed 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals for the Growling Tigresses.

Holding to a slim 56-53 lead after three quarters, the Growling Tigresses opened the fourth period with a three-pointer from Pastrana and inside connections from Santos, Eka Soriano and Apple Maglupay for a 69-58 advantage.

The Lady Archers still tried to claw their way back but a three-pointer and a layup from Sierba followed by an inside connection from Soriano wrapped up the win for the Growling Tigresses.

Ann Mendoza top-scored for the Lady Archers with 21 points, Luisa San Juan contributed 16 markers, including two triples, while Lee Sario ended with 13.

They dropped to 1-5 in the standings./ASC, WDJ