THE UST Growling Tigresses saw the first-ever Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) crown slip away after crumbling before the Pilipinas Aguilas, 54-45, in the do-or-die finals clash on Wednesday, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Despite a horrible start to the game, Aguilas found their composure at the right moment to rule the 14-team tournament.
Veteran guard Lexi Pana was named Finals MVP after steering her team to victory with 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists and five steals.
“I’m really proud of everyone, especially on defense… They did a really good job,” Pana said postgame.
“The college girls, they worked really hard, I’m just really proud on how they come in every single day and work their butts off,” she added, crediting the performance of the Tigresses.
UST stormed to a 14-3 start highlighted by a pull-up triple from Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana.
After only converting one basket in the first frame, Aguilas began heating up as back-to-back threes from Cheska Apag and Pana fueled a 13-2 barrage to put the game at a 16-all deadlock.
Both squads exchanged hits before Pana followed it up inside to overtake control at the end of the first half, 28-26.
Midway through the third quarter, Pana drained a long bomb to put Aguilas at an eight-point advantage, 37-29.
The Tigresses were having trouble taking care of the ball, but Pastrana took over by sinking a huge triple and dishing out a couple of dimes to equalize the game at 41-all before the last 10 minutes.
Aguilas had an 8-0 run to begin the payoff period, which was cut off by a paint bucket from Rachelles Ambos, 49-43.
In the waning moments of the game, Aguilas displayed experience to put away the Tigresses.
Nathalia Prado chalked up 16 points and 12 rebounds to lead Aguilas, while Apag added 13 markers and five assists.
Pastrana, Ambos, Karylle Sierba and Agatha Bron chipped in eight ticks each for UST. F
