Kent Pastrana was left full of regret after fouling out late in University of Santo Tomas’ heartbreaking double-overtime loss to Pilipinas Aguilas in Game 1 of the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Invitational Tournament Finals.
Pastrana experienced a rollercoaster of emotions after drilling a buzzer-beating triple in the first overtime, only to foul out in the second extra period of the Growling Tigresses’ 86-95 defeat on Wednesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
“Sobrang sayang lang kasi alam mo ‘yung sobrang gusto mong tulungan ‘yung teammates mo pero ‘di mo sila matulungan sa loob ng court,” said Pastrana, who was forced to watch from the bench in the final stretch of the second overtime.
The 24-year-old all-around forward did what she could from the sidelines — rallying her teammates and offering instructions — but it wasn’t enough as UST unraveled in the closing minutes. The Tigresses went scoreless in the last four minutes, ultimately falling behind in the series.
“Pero ginawa ko lang, kinausap ko lang sila, chini-cheer up ko sila sa bench na lumaban sila, ‘wag silang bumitaw kahit nalalamangan tayo kasi wala pa namang final buzzer. Parang siguro nawalan din sila ng kumpyansa sa sarili nila kasi nalalamangan na, pero lesson learned sa amin ‘tong Game 1 na ‘to,” she added.
With the game on the line, Pastrana showed nerves of steel in the first overtime, sinking a jaw-dropping buzzer-beating three-pointer off the glass from beyond the PBA’s four-point line. Her incredible shot tied the game at 74, forcing a second extra period.
(C) WMPBL
“Ayun, iniisip ko lang kahit anong mangyari, tiwala ako sa sarili ko. Binigay sa akin pero na-short nga, hindi pa para sa amin ‘yung panalo,” said Pastrana.
But with 1:46 left in the second overtime and UST trailing by just two points, 86-88, Pastrana was whistled for a reach-in foul on Mar Prado, disqualifying her from the tightly-contested match.
Without the presence of the three-time UAAP Mythical Team member, the Aguilas capitalized and went on a decisive 6-0 run to close out the game and take the all-important series opener.
Pastrana delivered a stellar performance before fouling out, finishing with a game-high 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals in the gut-wrenching loss.
Carrying the painful lessons of Game 1, the 5-foot-7 winger vowed to return stronger in Game 2, determined to lead UST’s fight for redemption and keep their championship hopes alive.
“Marami kaming natutunan and hopefully sa next game, maco-correct namin ‘yung mga mali namin,” said Pastrana.
“Siguro additional na natutunan ko sa game na ‘to, kailangan kahit anong mangyari, kahit matalo, kailangan ‘yung tiwala sa sarili. Walang sisihan kahit anong mangyari. Kailangan naming magtrabaho bukas ulit.”
