UST's Pastrana leads team to Finals with 23-16-8 stat line

University of Santo Tomas' Kent Pastrana led her team to a 71-59 victory over Adamson in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball semifinals, securing UST's spot in the Finals against National University (NU).

Pastrana recorded an impressive stat line with 23 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists, earning praise from coach Haydee Ong who called her a 'gift from God'.

The defending champions will face NU for the third time in the past four seasons, aiming to defend their title despite being swept by NU during the regular season.

Pastrana emphasized the importance of leading by example and setting a strong tone for her team in the upcoming championship series.

Coach Ong acknowledged that UST is seen as the underdog against undefeated NU but stressed the need to work harder, fix turnovers, and rely on heart to secure victory.