UST escapes with win, stuns Adamson

c/o UAAP

Despite struggling throughout the game, Kent Pastrana found her rhythm when it mattered most, sinking the go-ahead basket to lift defending champion University of Santo Tomas past previously unbeaten Adamson University, 58-55, in the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament on Sunday at Adamson Gym. 

With the score tied at 55-all and just 1:30 left on the clock, Pastrana, the UAAP Season 86 Athlete of the Year, had been struggling with her shot, hitting just 5-of-19 from the field. Her shooting woes reflected the rest of the Growling Tigresses, who had trouble finding their offensive flow all game.

This led longtime UST head coach Haydee Ong to implore her team to focus on the crucial final minutes.

“Sabi ko na lang, one good stop and one good offense. Kahit pangit na yung first 39 minutes natin, ayusin na lang natin yung last minute,” Ong shared.

As Cris Padilla attempted to organize the Lady Falcons’ offense, Pastrana swooped in to strip the ball from her hands and raced down the court for the go-ahead layup. 

Rattled by the pressure, the young Adamson squad rushed their shots, failing to capitalize on their final possessions. 

Padilla missed a three-pointer, while Kat Agojo’s floater was well off the mark.

Brigette Santos split her free throws with 9.8 seconds remaining, extending UST’s lead to three points. 

Adamson’s Cheska Apag had a chance to tie the game with a three-point attempt, but her shot missed, sealing UST's win and giving them a 3-0 record while Adamson absorbed its first defeat of the season.

“Bad game talaga but still, a win is a win. Pag-uusapan pa namin at titignan sa viewing kung bakit slow start, bad defense, at bad offense,” Ong admitted.

Pastrana finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks. 

Rachelle Ambos was instrumental in UST’s second-half comeback, contributing 10 points and six rebounds, while Agatha Bron added eight points, three rebounds, and anchored the Tigresses' defense in the final minutes.

Despite the victory, UST shot just 29% from the field, committed 19 turnovers, and allowed Adamson to attempt 21 free throws. 

“Credit din to Adamson because they outhustled us today. Yun yung major reason why they got close,” Ong added.

UST will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next game against National University on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Padilla, Adamson’s third-year guard, led her team with 19 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Elaine Etang chipped in 11 points. The Lady Falcons will face a tough challenge as they go up against Kacey Dela Rosa and Ateneo on Saturday at 1:30 p.m.

Women

The Scores:

First Game

UST (58) – Pastrana 15, Ambos 10, Bron 8, Soriano 6, Tacatac 6, Santos 4, Sierba 4, N. Danganan 4, Relliquette 1, Dionisio 0, Maglupay 0, Pineda 0, Precador 0, Serrano 0.

AdU (55) – Padilla 19, Etang 11, Apag 6, Agojo 6, Alaba 6, Adeshina 3, Manilmos 3, Cortez 1, Limbago 0, Meniano 0, Alaba 0, Mazo 0, Bajo 0, Ornopia 0.

Quarterscores: 17-22, 28-35, 40-44, 58-55