By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana delivered clutch baskets as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses defeated the Far Eastern University (FEU) Lady Tamaraws, 66-57, in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Saturday, October 5.

After establishing their largest lead of 13 points at 56-43 behind conversions from Pastrana and Brigette Santos, the Lady Tamaraws responded with a 10-0 scoring run to cut the deficit to 53-56 with three minutes left.

However, Pastrana anchored the Growling Tigresses’ 7-0 counter-attack as they stretched the lead back to double-digits at 63-53 with more than a minute remaining.

Pastrana finished with 22 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks as the Growling Tigresses concluded the first round of eliminations in second place with a 6-1 mark.

“A win is a win. ‘Yung constant naman ni Kent, always performs naman, so we need more players to show up and help Kent for our succeeding games,” UST head coach Haydee Ong said.

Ana Tacatac added nine markers, while Santos contributed seven points, all coming in the fourth quarter, for the Growling Tigresses.

“With regards with our record, I told the girls kasi this would be our last game sa first round, so this should be a momentum-builder for the next round. But, unfortunately, they didn’t play what was expected,” Ong said.

Shane Salvani top-scored for the Lady Tamaraws with 16 points to go with 15 rebounds and five assists, while MJ Manguiat added 11 markers as they dropped to a 1-6 record./ASC, WDJ