By ADRIAN STEWART CO

University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses star Kent Pastrana once again secured her place among the league’s best, earning a spot on the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball Elite Team after finishing third overall in the statistical race.

Pastrana tallied 86.643 statistical points (SPs), extending her streak of Elite Team selections to every year of her collegiate career.

The Negrense cager remained one of the most consistent two-way performers in the league, steadying the Growling Tigresses through another strong campaign.

While Pastrana anchored the Elite Team, National University (NU) standout Ann Pingol ultimately claimed the MVP award after overtaking Ateneo center Kacey dela Rosa in the final stretch of the eliminations.

The Ilongga Pingol closed the season with 93.571 SPs, highlighted by two triple-doubles in the second round that propelled NU to a 6-1 finish.

Dela Rosa, who led the race after Round 1 with 96.571 SPs, slipped to second place with 91.429 SPs as the Blue Eagles went 3-4 in the latter half of the eliminations.

Joining Pastrana on the Elite Team are NU’s Tin Cayabyab (73.571 SPs) and Angel Surada (71.714 SPs), who helped reinforce the Lady Bulldogs’ strong finish.

Ateneo rookie Erika de Luna is set to be recognized as Rookie of the Year after placing 25th in the league’s SP rankings with 47.214 points./ASC, WDJ