By ADRIAN STEWART CO
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses faltered to the National University (NU) Lady Bulldogs in the do-or-die Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, December 15.
Negrense star Kent Jane Pastrana was a non-factor for the Growling Tigresses, finishing with just seven points to go with seven rebounds and seven assists in the defeat.
Rookie Cielo Pagdulagan stood tall for the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and three steals as they captured their eighth championship in the last nine seasons.
“Super happy pero ‘yung mga awards naman na nakuha ko bonus lang sa akin kasi ang goal naman talaga namin ay ‘yung championship,” said Pagdulagan, becoming the first rookie to win finals MVP since her teammate Tin Cayabyab in Season 85.
Angel Surada and Camille Clarin added 14 markers apiece, while Karl Ann Pingol contributed 10 markers for the Lady Bulldogs, which successfully avenged their Season 86 finals defeat to the Growling Tigresses.
From a 38-all score at the half, the Lady Bulldogs went on a huge tear in the third quarter behind the offense of Pagdulagan, Surada, Pingol, and Clarin to establish a 65-50 advantage.
The Lady Bulldogs maintained the double-digit lead before the Growling Tigresses made their last push behind Ana Tacatac and Karylle Sierba to cut the deficit to 70-75, but free throws by Clarin sealed the championship for NU.
“These players were on it since Day 1 ng training camp namin. We asked so much from them pero hindi mo matatawaran ‘yung effort nila every day,” NU head coach Aris Dimaunahan said.
“I’m just very satisfied because today, this is the fruit of our labor. I’m really satisfied with how they conducted themselves today. Binigay ang lahat para sa redemption year na ito,” he added.
Sierba finished with 20 points, while Tacatac added 14 markers for the dethroned champions Growling Tigresses./ASC, WDJ
NU 78 — Pagdulagan 21, Surada 14, Clarin 14, Pingol 10, Cayabyab 5, Fabruada 4, Konateh 4, Canuto 3, Betanio 3, Villanueva 0, Bartolo 0.
UST 73 — Sierba 20, Tacatac 14, Santos 8, Soriano 8, Pastrana 7, Maglupay 7, Bron 5, Danganan 4, Ambos 0, Serrano 0.
Quarterscores: 17-17, 38-38, 65-50, 78-73.