The UST Growling Tigresses aim to stay alive in the UAAP Season 88 women’s Finals as they battle the NU Lady Bulldogs in a must-win Game 2 showdown.
The University of Santo Tomas looks to extend its historic season and force a winner-take-all showdown as it battles the National University in Game 2 of the UAAP Season 88 women’s basketball Finals on Wednesday, December 10, at the Mall of Asia Arena.
After sweeping the elimination round and marching straight into the Finals, UST absorbed its first loss of the season in a heartbreaking 84–79 defeat in Game 1.
It was a rare stumble for the Tigresses that had dominated the Lady Bulldogs twice prior — and now the España-based squad faces their biggest test yet: avoiding elimination against the most decorated program of the last decade.
For UST to stay alive, Kent Pastrana will need to lead the charge.
The two-way standout nearly tallied a near triple-double in the opener with 15 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, fueling UST’s massive 16–2 third-quarter run that temporarily swung momentum their way.
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However, Pastrana struggled with her shooting touch (5-of-17) and went 0-of-8 from deep — an area she aims to sharpen as UST fights to force a Game 3.
The Growling Tigresses also saw former MVP Eka Soriano deliver 20 points before exiting in the final minute after a mid-air collision.
The Tigresses will likewise need bigger, steadier contributions from Karylle Sierba, Brigette Santos, and Oma Onianwa, along with more consistent floor spacing to crack NU’s defense.
In Game 1, UST’s offense sputtered in the final six minutes, failing to convert after briefly taking a 70–67 lead.
The Growling Tigresses know the margin for error has narrowed, but they remain confident in their ability to force one more game — and keep their dream season alive.
Game 2 tips off at 1:00 p.m.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo)
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[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]