Kent Pastrana showcased immense will and determination on Saturday, proving that hard work can yield positive results, even on an off night.
During an intense slugfest between the University of Santo Tomas and Ateneo de Manila University, the UAAP Season 86 Mythical Team member was largely unnoticeable through the first three quarters.
By the end of the third period, with the Growling Tigresses holding a 62-57 lead, Pastrana had managed only six points on 3-of-11 shooting from the field and was 0-of-3 from the free-throw line. She also committed six turnovers during that span.
Recognizing the need to step up, Pastrana opened the fourth quarter with a personal 7-2 run, establishing a 10-point lead at 69-59.
Despite a late rally from the Blue Eagles, the Tigresses’ cushion proved sufficient as they escaped with a 77-73 victory, largely due to the 5-foot-9 winger’s efforts in the final period.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“Siguro nagtiwala lang din ako sa sarili ko and of course sa tiwala rin ng mga teammates ko sa akin na binibigyan pa rin nila ako kahit off game ako. Pinagkatiwalaan ko lang yung sarili ko na kaya ko pa rin mag-contribute,” said the Season 86 Athlete of the Year regarding her late-game surge.
In the final quarter alone, Pastrana delivered 10 points, four rebounds, two steals, one block, and zero turnovers.
She was also tasked with defending reigning MVP Kacey dela Rosa, successfully limiting the Blue Eagle to just five points on 1-of-3 shooting in the fourth period.
UST head coach Haydee Ong praised Pastrana’s determination to contribute in other aspects of the game, even when her shots weren’t falling.
“Parati ko naman sinasabi kay Kent na kahit hindi ka maka-contribute sa scoring, she can contribute in any other way, like yung depensa niya kay Kacey nung fourth quarter, rebounds, and getting a foul and putting her on the line,” said the decorated head coach.
“So Kent will be Kent; even if she’s off, she can still contribute to the team,” said the champion coach.
