‘Godsent’ Kent Pastrana leads UST Tigresses to UAAP Finals again

UST Growling Tigresses’ Kent Pastrana during a stepladder semifinals game against Adamson Lady Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines —Three-time Mythical Five winner Kent Pastrana is again at the forefront of University of Santo Tomas’ championship bid in the UAAP Season 87 women’s basketball.

Pastrana unleashed an all-around effort of 23 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists to lift defending UST past the gritty Adamson, 71-59, on Wednesday that sealed the Growling Tigresses’ return to the Finals.

“[She’s] a gift from God. It’ll take a while before the UAAP sees another player–like Kacey Dela Rosa. Athletes like them are truly a blessing,” said UST coach Haydee Ong about Pastrana. “

SCHEDULE: UAAP Season 87 basketball Finals

“This one [CJ Maglupay] is also a gift from God to me. Actually, all my players at UST—I’m just blessed every time I recruit because they choose UST.”

Pastrana, a transferee from La Salle, will receive her third mythical team selection after finishing as the MVP runner-up to presumptive winner Kacey Dela Rosa of Ateneo.

UST Growling Tigresses celebrate a win over Adamson Falcons in the UAAP Season 87 men’s stepladder semifinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m grateful and happy to be given the opportunity to receive an award again. It’s all because of the trust from my coaches and teammates—without them, I wouldn’t have achieved this,” said Pastrana.

“I already expected that every time I handle the ball, the opponents would focus on me. So, I made it a point to facilitate for my teammates. Even if it’s not through scoring, I know I can contribute in other aspects of basketball. At least I’m helping my team in whatever way I can.”

READ: How Haydee Ong transformed UST Tigresses into becoming NU’s downfall

With a third finals duel against NU in four seasons, the Tigresses will be the hunted with the Lady Bulldogs eager to regain what the former took from them last year. 

Pastrana, who won’t have Tantoy Ferrer and other instrumental cogs in last year’s magical title run, vows to lead by example and prove herself that they can defend their throne. 

“I always aim to start strong, with effort and energy,” she said. “Because if I begin without energy, it affects my teammates, especially the rookies. My mindset is always to lead the team, to set a good example on the court. Whether it’s through hustle, defense, offense, or even just encouraging and motivating my teammates, I know I have to be the one to set the tone.

I know my teammates trust me, and I also have immense trust in them. That’s why I believe we can still secure the win.”

READ: UAAP: Kent Pastrana struggles but still leads UST past Ateneo

Just like last year, UST got swept by NU in the elimination round this season and Ong said they must work harder against the 14-0 Lady Bulldogs in the Finals.

“For them, it’s a redemption season. For us, we aim for a repeat this season,” said Ong. “We are the underdogs. They’re always the favored team, and we’re the ones seen as the underdog. That’s why we really need to work hard. It’s not about chasing them; it’s about putting in the effort to beat them.”

“When it comes to the championship, the Xs and Os don’t matter as much anymore. They already know our game, and we know theirs. It ultimately comes down to heart—who wants it more. Securing Game 1 on Sunday is very important for us,” she added.

Game 1 of the finals fires off on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Smart Araneta Coliseum.