University of Santo Tomas bounced back in style in the 2025 Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament, shaking off a tough loss last week against Pilipinas Aguilas.
The Growling Tigresses returned to form with a commanding 95-43 victory over Solar Home last Sunday night, making a strong statement after their humbling defeat.
UST captain Kent Pastrana admitted that their setback against the Aguilas was a much-needed wake-up call, exposing their weaknesses and reminding them of the challenges of facing veteran-laden teams.
“Yes (reality check) siya, kasi ‘yun nga, laging sinasabi sa amin na ‘yung liga na ‘to parang malaking opportunity na binigay sa amin. Kailangan marami kaming matutunan pa lagi sa game,” said Pastrana.
(C) WMPBL
The Growling Tigresses opened the tournament with a three-game winning streak, highlighted by a record-breaking 105-33 rout of Centro Escolar University on February 19. The 72-point margin set a new league record for the largest victory in WMPBL history.
Riding high from that historic win, UST entered its matchup against the battle-tested Aguilas with plenty of momentum. However, instead of extending their dominance, the young Tigresses were dealt a harsh dose of reality. The Aguilas, brimming with experience, handed them an 82-75 defeat on February 26—a painful reminder of the gap between youth and veteran savvy.
Pastrana viewed the loss as a valuable lesson, emphasizing how it underscored the level of composure required to compete against more seasoned teams.
“It doesn’t mean na kapag natalo kami, wala kaming natutunan. Dapat mas marami kaming natutunan doon sa game na ‘yun. So far, sa talo namin na ‘yun, marami kaming natutunan. Kailangan naming mag-work as a team, kailangan naming i-correct ‘yung mga mali namin,” said the 5-foot-7 winger, who tallied 13 points, seven assists, and five rebounds against Solar Home.
“Saka ‘yung defense at effort sa loob ng court hindi dapat nawawala kasi ‘yun nga ‘yung laging sinasabi ni coach sa amin na ‘yung effort, hindi naman ‘yan tinuturo. Kusang nanggagaling saming mga players ‘yun.”
With their confidence restored, UST aims to build on their dominant win and continue growing as the tournament progresses.
