University of Santo Tomas’ journey to the UAAP Season 87 Girls’ Basketball Finals was fueled by the outstanding performances of Mythical Five trio and Season 87 MVP Barby Dajao, Katrina Insoy, and Rookie of the Year Rhiane Perez.
In Game 1, the Junior Growling Tigresses delivered a dominant 85-57 victory over the National University Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, led by the combined 53-point output from Dajao (25 points), Perez (16 points), and Insoy (12 points).
However, UST’s bid for a perfect season was in jeopardy during a tightly contested Game 2, where they trailed for most of the match. Down 52-57 with just 4:32 left on the clock, the Junior Growling Tigresses needed a spark.
That spark came from Sandra Abrantes. Overcoming early jitters, she stepped up in the clutch, leading UST to a thrilling 63-57 come-from-behind victory to clinch the championship last Thursday, March 20.
“Kanina, kinakabahan pa noong bagong pasok ako pero nakikita ko yung mga teammates ko, nag-work hard po sila sa loob. Ginawa ko lang po yung sa tingin ko na makakatulong sa team, kasi struggle na kami sa points. So parang kaya po namin, so pinakita ko po na kaya ko,” Abrantes shared.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Displaying poise beyond her years, Abrantes ignited a decisive 11-0 run, scoring nine points in that stretch to secure UST’s undefeated season.
Her heroics sealed the Junior Growling Tigresses’ first official UAAP girls’ basketball title, following their co-championship finish with Adamson University in the inaugural Season 82 tournament in 2020.
“Sabi nga sa amin ni Coach Sen [Dysangco], be ready when you’re called upon. Ginawa ko lang yung best na makakatulong sa team and sabi nga ni coach sa akin, do whatever it takes para manalo sa game,” said the pride of Imus, Cavite.
Abrantes didn’t just leave the packed Filoil EcoOil Centre in awe — she also impressed Dysangco himself with her composure in the game’s most crucial moments.
The WMPBL Deputy Commissioner had long recognized Abrantes’ potential during practices and scrimmages, but seeing her execute at such a high level under championship pressure was something special.
“Hindi na rin kami surprised kasi sa practice, nagagawa naman niya eh. Yun lang talaga, it’s really amazing na she can do it under the extreme pressure of a championship game na down kami. So that really says a lot about her,” Dysangco explained.
“Kasi iba yan eh, pagka-under pressure tsaka sa practice, so I’m very happy for them that they have that mental toughness and emotional stability to be able to focus on what’s in front of them — not mind all of the crowd and all the drums. Bata pa ‘tong mga ‘to eh, kaya nakakatuwa tignan talaga.”
