MANILA – University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses entered the WMPBL Finals with a 67-54 victory over Galeries Tower Skyrisers in the knockout semifinals over the weekend at the New Era University Gym.
Negrense Kent Jane Pastrana finished with a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds to go with six assists and five steals to be named Player of the Game for the Growling Tigresses.
“Sinimulan ko lang talaga sa effort kasi pinag-usapan namin ng teammates ko na kailangan naming simulan sa practice ang intensity. Kung ano kasi ‘yung ginagawa namin sa training, ‘yun din ang kalalabasan ng laban,” Pastrana said after the game.
“Team effort pa din, kung hindi dahil sa teammates ko, hindi ako magiging Player of the Game,” she added. “Kailangan ko lang mag-focus sa game kasi kung ano ‘yung ginagawa ko, ‘yun din ginagawa ng teammates ko.”
Angelika Soriano top-scored for UST with 13 points to go with seven rebounds and six assists, while Gin Kayla Relliquette and Vergen Apple Maglupay tallied nine markers apiece.
Princess Fabruada ended with 17 points, four rebounds, and four assists to lead the Skyrisers, while Cindy Resultay added nine points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
Meanwhile, the Pilipinas Aguilas clinched the second championship seat following a lopsided 65-48 domination over the Discovery Perlas in the other knockout semis match.
Alexis Pana ended with 15 points and nine rebounds, Nathalia Prado tallied a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds, while France Cabinbin and Elaine Etang had 13 apiece.
Game 1 of the best-of-three championship series between the Growling Tigresses and the Aguilas is scheduled tonight at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum./PN
