Tigresses grab back-to-back victories

Kent Pastrana picked up from where she left off, carrying University of Santo Tomas to a dominating 84-65 win over Adamson University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 86 women's basketball tournament yesterday at the Adamson Gym in San Marcelino, Manila.

Pastrana had another stellar performance in leading the Tigresses to their second straight win in as many games after submitting 28 points, four assists and three steals.

Her consistent production following a 20-point, 10-rebound game in a 63-46 win over University of the East last Sunday, did not come as a surprise to head coach Haydee Ong.

"Of course, we were expecting these types of performances from Kent. Even when she was in Silay, I knew she was special. It was God's will to bring her to UST," Ong said.

University of the Philippines, on the other hand, cruised past University of the East, 66-48, for a 2-0 record to join UST on top of the standings.

Marielle Vingno and Christie Bariquit led the way for the Fighting Maroons with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Marian Domingo and Favour Onoh added eight apiece with the latter also contributing 12 rebounds.

UE slid to 0-2 card.

Meanwhile, Ateneo de Manila University rebounded from an opening day setback with an 87-80 overtime win over De La Salle University.

Fifth-year winger Jhazmin Joson, who only scored five points in regulation, took charge in overtime, firing two triples, including a clutch trey with 55 seconds remaining that gave the Blue Eagles an 85-80 lead.

The Ateneo forced La Salle to a five-second inbound infraction before Katelyn Cancio delivered the dagger with a layup seconds later.

Joson ended up with 11 points, helping Ateneo bounce back from a 77-57 defeat at the hands of National University on opening day.

Junize Calago led the way for the Blue Eagles with 22 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. Kacey dela Rosa a double-double of 13 points and 16 rebounds to go with four blocks while Sarah Makanjuola posted 14 markers and 16 boards.

The Blue Eagles squandered a 72-67 lead with 52 seconds left in regulation. A Luisa San Juan trey followed by two clutch free throws from Bernice Paraiso sent the game into overtime.

San Juan had a game-high 29 points for La Salle, which fell to a 0-2 record.

With Pastrana leading the way, UST was able to break away in the third canto, turning a 44-40 halftime lead into a 66-51 cushion heading into the final frame.

The UAAP Season 82 Rookie of the Year then provided the highlight in the payoff period, firing a shot clock-beating three with 7:39 remaining to extend their lead to 71-55.

UST's lead went as high as 22 points, 81-59, after a Tacky Tacatac three with 4:04 left.

Tantoy Ferrer got 12 points and seven rebounds, Tacatac posted 12 points while Rachelle Ambos put up 10 markers for the Tigresses, who sent the Lady Falcons reeling to a 0-2 slate.