By MARK REY MONTEJO
University of Santo Tomas showed no mercy and clobbered University of the East, 125-50, to secure a playoff for the second twice-to-beat advantage in the semis of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball tournament at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City Wednesday, Nov. 12.
Kent Pastrana led the Golden Tigresses’ first-half onslaught that proved enough to rip the game wide open.
Pastrana dropped 35 points on top of 12 rebounds, two assists, one block and five steals to help power UST to its 11th straight victory in as many outings that pushed them closer to completing a sweep of the elims.
If that happens, UST would earn an outright berth in the Finals.
In sharp contrast, UE absorbed its 12th defeat in as many outings.
“I’m so happy sa performance ko today… Bibigay ko lahat ng makakaya ko para sa team na manalo every game,” said Pastrana. “As a leader, I’ll do my best palagi para makatulong sa teammates and coaches ko.”
Oma Onianwa provided the offensive support with 12 points, while Coi Danganan, Karylle Sierba and Rachelle Ambos added 11 points each for UST which gets back in action this Saturday, Nov. 15, against Ateneo at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Bridgette Santos also chipped in 10 points.
Syvil Oñate paced the Lady Warriors with 20 points, while Rachel Lacayanga pumped in 20 points in a losing effort, but UE has its opportunity to end its 22-game drought when it battles defending titlist National University at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
UST (125) – Pastrana 35, Onianwa 12, Ambos 11, C. Danganan 11, Sierba 11, Santos 10, McAlary 6, K. Danganan 6, Soriano 5, Bron 5, Maglupay 5, Pineda 4, Pescador 2, Serrano 2, Dajao 0.
UE (50) – Oñate 20, Lacayanga 18, Yañez 4, Gomez 3, Lumibao 3, Salise 2, Ronquillo 0, Trinidad 0, Buscar 0, Lituania 0, Dalguntas 0, Gullim 0, Solomon 0.
Quarters: 33-15, 70-29, 97-38, 125-50.
