Kent Pastrana unleashed a career-high 35 points as University of Santo Tomas (UST) secured a playoff for a twice-to-beat advantage in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) Season 88 women’s basketball tournament with a commanding 125-50 victory over University of the East (UE) on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Following up on a 25-point performance against University of the Philippines last 5 November, Pastrana raised the bar even higher, hitting 13-of-21 from the field while adding 12 rebounds, five steals, two assists, and one block, finishing with an efficient plus-50 rating in just 18 minutes and 51 seconds of action.
“I’m so happy with my performance today,” Pastrana said.
“I always give my best to help the team win. As a leader, I have to do my best to help my teammates and coaches.”
Behind her career outing, the Growling Tigresses remained unbeaten through 11 games, boasting an average winning margin of 37 points per contest.
With a perfect 11-0 record, UST gained significant momentum ahead of a grueling three-game stretch against Ateneo de Manila University, defending champion National University, and Far Eastern University to close the elimination round.
UST set the tone early, scoring 33 first-quarter points before sending UE into a 41-point, 70-29 halftime deficit, as the Lady Warriors struggled with just 7-of-21 shooting in the first two quarters.
The Growling Tigresses maintained control in the third quarter, with Pastrana erupting for 17 of UST’s 27 points while holding UE to just nine, building a commanding 97-38 cushion entering the final frame.
Powered by six double-digit scorers, UST dominated all facets of the game, totaling 58 rebounds, 36 assists from 46 made field goals, and 22 steals.
Nigerian center Oma Onianwa contributed 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Rachelle Ambos added 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, along with seven rebounds, three assists, and one steal.
Coi Danganan also scored 11 points with six rebounds, three steals, and two assists, while Karylle Sierba chipped in 11 points, including three triples.