UST dethrones 7-time champ NU to rule UAAP Season 86 women’s hoops

University of Santo Tomas slayed National University to end the Lady Bulldogs’ seven-season reign, 71-69, and rule the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball tournament on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

UST spoiled NU’s eight-peat bid to bring back the crown to España for the the first time since 2006.

The Growling Tigresses clawed back from 15 points down to revive their championship hopes as Tantoy Ferrer buried a huge triple to pull them to within two, 69-67, with 2:15 left in the fourth period.

Ferrer’s next bucket could have tied things up but the shot clock expired just before she laid it in as Brigette Santos also missed out on her layup as NU continued to hold on to a two-point lead in the dying seconds.

After multiple tries, UST finally knotted the ballgame at 69-all after Kent Pastrana escaped the defense of Camille Clarin to force the deadlock witth 26 seconds left.

Pastrana then secured the rebound before Nikki Villasin completed the game-winning layup.

In the final frame, UST outscored National U, 24-8, to claim the crown.

Tantoy Ferrer, who was named as Finals MVP, posted a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds, while Kent Pastrana had 16 points. Nikki Villasin also chipped in 12 points for the España-based squad.

Kristine Cayabyab had 18 points, while Princess Fabruada had 13 points for NU. 

In the elimination round, UST finished with an 11-3 card to place second behind National U who has a 13-1 record. 

Despite the twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, UST needed two games in the Final Four as UP forced a do-or-die after winning their first match, 88-80.

The Growling Tigresses won Game 1 of the Finals, 76-72, then NU equalized the series, 72-70.

This is UST's 12th overall title in women's basketball, making it the winningest among the eight member schools.

Scores:

UST 71 – Ferrer 19, Pastrana 16, Villasin 12, Tacatac 9, Bron 4, Dionisio 4, Santos 4, Ambos 3, Maglupay 0, Soriano 0, Amatong 0, Serrano 0. 

NU 69 – Cayabyab 18, Fabruada 13, Pingol 11, Berberabe 9, Surada 9, Canuto 5, Clarin 2, Konateh 2, Bartolo 0, Betanio 0, Solis 0.

Quarterscores: 19-19, 32-44, 47-61, 71-69

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News