University of Santo Tomas standouts Gelo Crisostomo and Kent Pastrana found themselves in unfamiliar territory over the weekend, yet both delivered stellar performances that powered the España-based institution to statement victories as the UAAP Season 88 collegiate basketball action unfolded at the Ateneo Blue Eagle Gym.
Crisostomo anchored both ends of the floor for the Growling Tigers in their historic 98–89 triple-overtime triumph over home team Ateneo de Manila University — the first triple-overtime game in the men’s basketball Final Four era.
On the other hand, Pastrana took charge for the Growling Tigresses, leading them to a 77–66 win that handed Ateneo its first loss of the season while preserving UST’s own spotless record.
As the league made its long-awaited return to the Blue Eagle Gym after nearly two decades, Crisostomo and Pastrana seized the spotlight to be named the Collegiate Press Corps’ UAAP Players of the Week presented by the Philippine Sports Commission for the period of October 8 to 12.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Crisostomo’s breakout performance not only propelled the Pido Jarencio-led Tigers to a solo second-place standing at 4–1, but also earned him the nod over teammates Nic Cabañero and Collins Akowe, UP’s Noy Remogat and Harold Alarcon, and NU’s Jake Figueroa for the weekly honor sponsored by Discovery Suites and Buffalo’s Wings N’ Things.
“Last few games, pangit yung laro ko. Pero tinulungan lang ako ng teammates ko na mag-focus,” said Crisostomo, who had previously averaged just 5.8 points and 5.0 rebounds before erupting against Ateneo.
The 6-foot-5 forward delivered his best collegiate performance yet, tallying 18 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, and a block — with most of his damage coming during the extended periods — to outshine his peers in a tightly contested vote among collegiate beat writers.
(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team
Meanwhile, Pastrana dominated the third quarter against Ateneo, sparking the Tigresses to their fourth straight win of the season.
“Hindi lang talaga kami bumitaw, at pinakita namin yung puso namin sa court,” said Pastrana, who finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and four steals to earn her own weekly citation.
The veteran leader stepped up when Oma Onianwa fouled out early in the battle of unbeatens, carrying UST on both ends of the floor.
Her remarkable effort gave her the edge over fellow Tigress Brigette Santos, NU’s Tin Cayabyab and Karl Pingol, FEU’s Shemaiah Abatayo, and Adamson’s Cheska Apag.
