The Pilipinas Aguilas are one win away from securing the inaugural Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Tournament championship as they face the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigresses in Game 2 of the finals on Easter Sunday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, with tip-off at 6:00 p.m.
In a thrilling Game 1, the Aguilas edged UST 95-86 in double overtime, thanks to a strong defensive stand that limited the Tigresses to just three points in the final extension. Interim head coach Paolo Layug emphasized the need to contain UST’s star player, Kent Pastrana, to close out the series.
“For us to close out the series, I think we really need to clean up on our defense and find a way to contain them. But a great player like Kent Pastrana, you can’t completely shut her down, but we have to try and limit her and make it more difficult for her,” Layug said.
Pastrana, who forced the second overtime with a buzzer-beating three-pointer and tallied 23 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and two steals before fouling out, remains optimistic about UST’s chances.
“Marami kaming natutunan and hopefully sa next game, maco-correct namin ‘yung mga mali namin,” she said.
“Siguro additional na natutunan ko sa game na ‘to, kailangan kahit anong mangyari, kahit matalo, kailangan ‘yung tiwala sa sarili. Walang sisihan kahit anong mangyari. Kailangan naming magtrabaho bukas ulit,” she added.
Key players for the Aguilas include Elaine Etang, Alexis Pana, and Mar Prado, while UST will rely on Pastrana, Eka Soriano, and Gin Relliquette. An awarding ceremony honoring the tournament’s top performers will precede the game at 5:30 p.m.
