UST beats Ateneo 77-73 in UAAP women's basketball

Kent Pastrana led the University of Santo Tomas (UST) to a narrow 77-73 victory over Ateneo in the UAAP Season 87 women's basketball tournament on Saturday at UST's Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Pastrana, despite struggling early with just five of 18 field goals and six of 13 free throws, scored 10 crucial points in the fourth quarter to help secure the win for UST, finishing with 16 points, eight rebounds, four steals, two assists, and one block.

UST coach Haydee Ong credited the team effort, noting improvements from players like Kacey Dela Rosa who had previously struggled, while Ateneo's Junize Calago and Dela Rosa led with 23 points each but could not prevent their third consecutive loss.

The victory boosts UST's Final Four hopes as they extend their winning streak to five games, improving their record to eight wins in nine matches, while Ateneo falls to a 4-5 win-loss slate.