UST, Pilipinas Aguilas clash in Game 1 of WMPBL finals

MANILA – The University of Santo Tomas and Pilipinas Aguilas face off in Game One of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL) Invitational best-of-three championship series at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum at 5 p.m. on Wednesday.

Kent Pastrana, Oma Onianwa, and Eka Soriano will spearhead the Tigresses, who joined the tournament to sharpen their skills ahead of the UAAP season.

“When the tournament was starting, the goal was for the kids to learn and gain experience. We’ve always reminded them to not take this opportunity for granted because not all collegiate teams get a chance to play against semi-pro clubs or players who have a lot of experience, especially those who already represented the Philippines in international tournaments,” explained UST head coach Ged Austria.

Knowing that his players are much younger than their rivals, Austria noted the importance of keeping their emotions in check.

“I expect this game to be a ‘dogfight’ and also highly emotional. Aguilas is a great squad with a mix of youth and experience. Going up against a core team of Adamson that we are used to playing against but also a team with reinforcements from veterans who have represented the Philippine flag, is surely a tough but interesting matchup,” he said.

“Emotions must be under control so that children can follow the effort and discipline when playing and sticking to the system. Looking forward to battling with Aguilas.”

For the Aguilas, the league is a platform to further improve and prove they belong on the professional stage.

“We’d like to use our program to help the players improve and expand their games even after their college careers are done. We want them to get more exposure and opportunities whenever they don the Aguilas jersey. At the end of the day, we want to do our part in the growth of women’s basketball,” Aguilas interim coach Paolo Layug said.

Layug, who considers UST one of the best women’s teams in the country today, said containing Kent Pastrana and Oma Onianwa will be crucial if the Aguilas want to win Game 1.

“I think it is going to be a great challenge. They’re one of the best women’s teams in the country right now and they’ve proven it. UST had a very convincing win against Galeries in the semis,” he said.

“Pastrana is one of the best players in the country, does everything for them. Very impressive player. Can and does play every role for them. Their import (Oma) Onianwa has improved throughout the tournament. They’re very well coached by coach Ged (Austria) and the rest of the UST staff. It’s going to be a good series.”

Leading the Aguilas are Mar Prado, Alexis Pana, and Chack Cabinbin.

The Growling Tigresses defeated the Galeries Tower Skyrisers, 67-54, while the Aguilas clobbered the Discovery Perlas, 65-48, in the semifinal round to forge the title duel.

Game 2 is set for April 20 while Game 3, if needed, is scheduled for April 23. Both matches will be held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. — Jean Malanum  (PNA)

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