Rachelle Ambos of UST aims for the basket in Game 2 of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Finals against Pilipinas Aguilas at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Monday (April 21, 2025). She scored 13 points in the Tigresses’ 69-64 victory. (WMPBL photo)
The University of Santo Tomas (UST) is eyeing the championship as it faces off with the Pilipinas Aguilas in a do-or-die Game 3 of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational Finals on Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m.
The Tigresses forced the deciding game with a 69-64 victory in Game 2 last Sunday, thanks to a dominant performance from Nigerian center Oma Onianwa and a strong showing from Rachelle Ambos.
Onianwa powered UST with 30 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, while Ambos added 13 points to help the team recover from a grueling 95-86 double overtime loss in Game 1 held last April 16 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
UST will once again lean on Onianwa and Ambos, alongside key contributions from Kent Pastrana and Eka Soriano, as they aim to finish the job.
“We need to correct our mistakes, that’s part of the game plan,” said UST head coach Ged Austria. “I already told the players what else is wrong and what needs to be improved.”
On the other side, the Pilipinas Aguilas are looking to bounce back and clinch the title behind the leadership of Fil-American guard Alexis Pana. In Game 2, Pana filled the stat sheet with 17 points, eight rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block.
Pana will have support from Mar Prado, Elaine Etang, and Chack Cabinbin as the Aguilas hope to finish strong and capture the crown.
“I just want to play our game and focus on the things we need to fix,” said Pana.
With the championship on the line, fans can expect an intense showdown between two determined squads hungry for WMPBL glory.