The UST Growling Tigresses celebrate after winning the UAAP Season 88 women's basketball championship, December 14, 2025 at the Mall of Asia Arena. UAAP Media
MANILA (UPDATED) — University of Santo Tomas are queens of the UAAP women's basketball tournament once more.
The Growling Tigresses reclaimed championship glory after a 79-64 triumph over National University in the do-or-die Game 3 of the Season 88 Finals on Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Leading the España-based cagers was Finals MVP Kent Pastrana, who posted 16 points, nine rebounds, five steals, five assists, and a block in what was her last-ever game in the collegiate ranks.
"Yung sakripisyo namin, ilang years na magkakasama kami ng UST, ito na yung bunga," said Pastrana, who averaged 13.0 points, 7.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 3.8 steals in the three-game series.
"Nao-overwhelm ako. Wala naman sa goal ko na makuha yung Finals MVP, goal ko lang makuha ang championship. Mami-miss ko ang teammates ko, mami-miss ko ang mga kalaban dito sa UAAP," added the Gilas Pilipinas Women ace.
Aside from Pastrana, Oma Onianawa was also solid with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks, while Eka Soriano, Karylle Sierba, and CJ Maglupay each scored 10 points in the win.
"We played for each other, we played with heart and pride together," said Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong as she praised her players. "Down in the second quarter, hindi sila bumigay."
This proved true as, after UST fell behind 13-23, the Tigresses found their groove and went on a 17-7 surge to take a 37-30 lead at halftime.
UST continued its onslaught in the third period, building a lead of as much as 21, 67-46, with under three minutes left in the frame. That cushion proved enough despite National U cutting the deficit to 10 in the final quarter.
Tine Cayabyab led the Lady Bulldogs with 21 points and six rebounds, while Angel Surada hauled in 16 rebounds to go with seven points, three assists, and two blocks.
Unfortunately, these efforts went for naught, as National U’s Game 1 victory also turned out to be UST’s lone loss in the Finals.
The Scores:
UST 79 – Pastrana 16, Onianwa 15, Soriano 10, Sierba 10, Maglupay 10, C. Danganan 17, Santos 5, Bron 4, Relliquette 2, Ambos 0, K. Danganan 0, Pineda 0.
NU 64 – Cayabyab 21, Betanio 11, Villanueva 10, Surada 7, Pingol 6, Solis 5, D. Medina 4, Alterado 0, Pring 0, S. Medina 0.
Quarterscores: 11-17, 37-30, 71-53, 79-64.
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