By Jean Malanum
MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas banked on Sandra Abrantes to claim the UAAP Season 87 girls’ basketball title over the National University Nazareth School (NUNS) at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan City on Thursday.
The 17-year-old center from Imus, Cavite scored nine points in an 11-0 run as the Junior Growling Tigresses beat the Lady Bullpups, 63-57, in Game 2 of their best-of-three championship series.
Marie Mae Sales scored on a jumper to give NU a 57-52 advantage, 4:32 remaining, before Abrantes came up with back-to-back baskets.
The Lady Bullpups tried to rally behind Gilas Youth guard Aubrey Lapasaran, Zaydhen Rosano, and KJ Badajos, whose attempts to score from the three-point line failed.
“Coach Sen (Dysangco) always tells us to be ready when we’re called upon. I just did my best to help the team, and as coach told me, do whatever it takes to win the game. I just did what I could contribute because we’ve sacrificed so much for this, and we truly deserve it,” said Abrantes, who finished with 14 points and five rebounds.
Barby Dajao, who was named Finals MVP, led UST with 22 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block.
“I’m really grateful to my teammates who stepped up, especially Sandra. We didn’t expect the game to be this close, but we just gave our best so that all our hard work wouldn’t go to waste,” said Dajao, who is also the Season 87 MVP.
Kassandra Tambawan and Jannah Wenceslao chipped in six points each for UST, which took Game 1 (85-57) on March 13.
Katrina Insoy and Lea Pinuela contributed five points apiece while Season 87 Rookie of the Year Rhiane Perez had three points, 10 rebounds, six steals, four assists, and two blocks.
“They really worked hard for this. They played through the adversity. I’m very, very proud of them that they really fought hard. Nothing to take away from NUNS, they really played well, it just so happened that we had a few breaks at the end and we’re just happy to get it,” UST head coach Sen Dysangco said.
UST finally lifted its first title after being named co-champion with Adamson University in Season 82 due to the pandemic.
Lapasaran finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, four steals, three assists, and one block for NU, which posted its biggest lead at 53-46.
Rosano delivered 12 points, 14 rebounds, and three steals; Ashlyn Abong had six points and 14 rebounds; and Rebekkah Pascua added five points, five rebounds, one assist, and one block. (PNA)
