THE FIRST-ever Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) crown is still up for grabs after the UST Growling Tigresses overcame Pilipinas Aguilas, 69-64, in Game 2 of the finals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Sunday, April 20.
It was the Tigresses’ first victory over Aguilas in three meetings this season.
UST forward Rachelle Ambos played her best game so far in the tournament, receiving Player of the Game honors with 13 points and six rebounds.
“It was all team effort… All of us, we won’t allow the game to end where we are now,” Ambos said postgame.
“We prioritized positivity, that’s where it all started,” she added.
The Tigresses opened the match with an 8-2 run sparked by a basket from foreign student-athlete Oma Onianwa. Aguilas eventually caught up but still trailed by three at the end of the first frame, 18-15.
Cheska Apag drilled a corner triple to begin the second salvo for Aguilas. Moments later, Melody Cac converted a layup to overtake the lead, 24-23.
The España crew then surged to a 12-2 barrage to retake control and close out the first half with a 35-26 advantage.
To begin the third period, Aguilas stormed to a 7-0 blitz capped off by a long bomb from Nathalia Prado to cut the deficit within two, 35-33.
With things getting tight, Kent Pastrana and Karylle Sierba steered UST in building an eight-point separation, 54-46, before the final frame.
Down by double-digits midway through the fourth quarter, Aguilas rallied with an 11-4 run to keep the game within arm’s reach, 67-64.
However, the comeback attempt was neutralized after Onianwa put the finishing touches with a wide-open bucket.
The Nigerian center anchored UST with 17 points, eight rebounds and three blocks. Sierba chipped in 12 ticks.
Pastrana was named as a Mythical Five member.
Meanwhile, Alexis Pana had 17 points, eight boards and five assists for Aguilas. Elaine Etang and Prado added 14 and 12 markers, respectively.
The winner-take-all Game 3 will be played on April 23, Wednesday, at the same venue. F
