By: George Torno
Kent Pastrana is making every moment of her final UAAP season count.
She erupted for a career-high 35 points, 12 rebounds, and five steals in just over 18 minutes as the Golden Tigresses overpowered the University of the East Red Warriors, 125–50, on Wednesday in Season 88.
Despite the dominant numbers, Pastrana’s focus remains on growth and consistency as she navigates her last season with UST.
“Personally, gusto ko lang i-improve pa yung defense ko, and siyempre mas maging aggressive pa sa depensa. Kasi alam ko naman na doon ako kailangan ng mga teammates ko when it comes sa loob ng court,” said the 25-year-old winger from Silay City.
Even with UST’s dominance, Pastrana stays grounded, emphasizing that discipline and consistent effort are key to sustaining the team’s momentum.
The two-time UAAP champion feels determined to end her final season on a high note, constantly seeking ways to elevate her game and lead her team to victory.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
“Palagi sa sarili ko na bibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko sa team para manalo every game. And of course, as a leader, I’ll do my best palagi para makatulong sa teammates and coaches ko,” Pastrana added.
As the senior co-captain chases another championship and aims to preserve UST’s undefeated record entering round 2 of the eliminations, she remains focused on improvement rather than past achievements.
Echoing UST head coach Ged Austria, Pastrana acknowledged that the Tigresses’ dominance comes as no surprise to the team. Still, their focus is always on giving their all every game and letting the results follow.
“Hindi lang this season yung mas dominant namin kasi since nag-start ako sa UST, mas dominant naman. Pero yung goal namin is yun nga, yung gagawin pa rin namin yung makakaya namin this season,” she said.
“Kumbaga hindi kami kampante na zero yung talo namin, ginagawa pa rin yung best every game, kung ano yung mas makakaya namin, and gusto pa rin namin mas ma-improve pa yung mga mali namin and maging mas malakas pa yung team namin this season.”
