By: Jerod Orcullo
Despite struggling to find her rhythm offensively, Kent Pastrana and the UST Growling Tigresses managed to force a rubber match against the Pilipinas Aguilas, escaping with a 69-64 victory in Game 2 of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Finals on Sunday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Pastrana, who exploded for 23 points in the opening game of the series, was limited to just eight points in Game 2, converting only 2-of-8 shots from the field. However, she made her presence felt in other areas, tallying seven assists and grabbing five rebounds.
Fortunately for UST, her teammates stepped up to fill the scoring void. Oma Onianwa, Rachelle Ambos, and Karylle Sierba each delivered double-digit performances after combining for only 11 points in Game 1.
Onianwa led the charge with a near double-double of 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and two steals. Ambos and Sierba, who both logged increased minutes, contributed 13 and 12 points, respectively.
(C) WMPBL
“Siyempre proud ako sa mga kasama ko, especially sa mga bench namin, kasi nag-step up sila even though off game kami ng veterans at yung mga nag-perform din nung first game,” said Pastrana, praising her teammates’ efforts.
“Sobrang proud ako sa effort ng mga teammates ko. Of course, team effort pa din yung ginawa namin, at ayun, trabaho pa rin ulit.”
Following a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in Game 1, where the 5-foot-7 forward exited with 1:46 left in the second OT, Pastrana shared how she rallied her teammates, reminding them that they were still very much in the fight.
“Sabi namin, isang talo pa lang naman, ‘di pa naman tapos yung laban. So sabi namin trabaho ulit, gagawin namin yung best namin, at ‘di kami susuko hanggang sa dulo,” she said.
More than just forcing a deciding Game 3, the WMPBL Mythical Five member emphasized the need for improved chemistry, especially during stretches when the Aguilas go on momentum-shifting runs.
“Siguro yung consistency namin as a team, yung teamwork namin, kasi parang yun nga yung nawawala minsan sa’min. Parang pag nalamangan kami ng kalaban, parang nadodown kami,” Pastrana admitted.
“Sinasabi namin sa mga bata, siyempre, na ‘wag kayo mawalan ng kumpiyansa, kasi yung panalo nasa final buzzer pa naman.”
This chemistry will be crucial as UST looks to close out the series against a battle-tested Pilipinas Aguilas squad, spearheaded by Lexi Pana.
