By NIKOLE JAVIER
The dynasty in the UAAP women’s basketball was finally dismantled.
This came after the University of Santo Tomas Tigresses roared back from a 14-point deficit to stun the seven-time champion National University Lady Bulldogs, 71-69, in their winner-take-all match for the UAAP crown Wednesday, Dec. 6, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
For reclaiming the crown, the Tigresses are hoping this could be the start of another era.
The title win was UST’s 12th, making the Tigresses the winningest team in league history as they broke their tie with the FEU Lady Tamaraws.
They last won the championship in 2006 when some of the team members were still then toddlers.
Graduating Tantoy Ferrer, who returned to España after a one-season absence due to an ACL injury, delivered a superb double-double performance — scoring 19 points and grabbing 14 rebounds on her way out.
With her brilliant championship form, Ferrer was hailed Finals MVP after averaging 15.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.3 steals in the series.
Meanwhile, senior Nikki Villasin, who registered the game-winning layup in the endgame, finished with 12 points.
Kent Pastrana chipped in 16 points on an efficient 5-of-8 shooting from the inside.
Pastrana opened the scoring in the fourth period with a huge and 1 play before Tacky Tacatac eventually trimmed down the deficit to a single digit on a jumper, 63-54.
NU, though, refused to be clamped down and continued to lead on a 67-58 gap following Stefanie Berberabe’s layup with 4:19 left to determine the champion.
However, the Lady Bulldogs’ castle will slowly crumble down as the Tigresses uncorked a telling 10-2 counter-punch capped by Ferrer’s triple at the 2:20 mark, 69-67.
Brigette Santos then missed the game-tying attempt in the sequence that ensued, but with 26.2 seconds to go, Pastrana found a way inside to finally knot the match at 69-all.
Finally, Villasin, drove through the crowd for the fast break layup, but it wasn’t just like any of her previous attempts, it was the shot that sealed UST’s first title in nearly two decades and ended NU’s reign for good this year.
“I’m really lost for words. I’m so happy for the girls. Sila ang may gawa nito. We were down big by 14 points. Sabi ko sa kanila ‘don’t give up, stick together’. Unti-untiin natin until fourth quarter. What spelled the difference is ‘yung puso ng mga players ko dahil hindi bumigay,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong.
Season 85 Finals MVP Kristine Cayabyab paced the Lady Bulldogs with 18 poinyts, while Princess Fabruada added 13 markers of her own.
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.
Quarters: 19-19, 32-44, 47-61, 71-69
