What a way to end the Final Four.
The UST Growling Tigresses are making a return to the finals of the women's basketball tournament in the UAAP after fending off the UP Fighting Maroons in their do-or-die duel in the Final Four on Saturday, 87-83.
Kent Pastrana once again led the charge for the twice-to-beat Growling Tigresses with 18 points built on four three-pointers and five rebounds. She also had plenty of support, with Reynalyn Ferrer finishing with a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds on top of seven assists and Brigette Santos chipping in 14 markers, four caroms, and five steals.
Pastrana said they will continue to put in the work and not waste the opportunity of playing for the crown this Season 86. UST last played in the finals in Season 82.
"Pagkakatiwalaan namin 'yung isa't isa, magse-set pa rin kami ng tone as veterans kasi doon kami nag-uumpisa kung paano kami maglaro. Stick pa rin sa system. Lalaban hanggang dulo," said the former Rookie of the Year after the game.
UST had a blistering start, outscoring UP in the opening frame, 36-27. But the Fighting Maroons refused to budge throughout the contest, even when they were down by 17 points in the third quarter. But the Growling Tigresses held on to survive with the victory.
They will face the top-seeded NU Lady Bulldogs in the best-of-three finals, which will start on Wednesday. It will be a rematch of their championship clash in 2019, when the Lady Bulldogs, led by Finals MVP Monique del Carmen, captured the crown.
NU, the seven-time defending champion, is on an 11-game winning streak, including its rout of the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their Final Four skirmish.
The Fighting Maroons, a previously perennial doormat, had an inspired run this season, returning to the Final Four for the first time since trooping to the finals in 2008.
Favour Onoh had another laudable showing for UP with 21 points, 14 rebounds, and two steals, closing out her sensational rookie season.
UST coach Haydee Ong tipped her hat to the Fighting Maroons, who dragged the Growling Tigresses to a rubber match. She described them as "resilient."
"I do not take away anything from the UP Fighting Maroons, they gave us a good fight, they always make us better. I commend them," said Ong.
(With reports from Kiko Demigillo, One Sports)