The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses came short of a historic Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League title against the Pilipinas Aguilas, 45-54, on Wednesday, April 23, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Mythical Five member Kent Pastrana led the Tigresses with eight points, five rebounds, and three assists in the valiant effort.

The Growling Tigresses started off waxing hot as Rachelle Ambos and Pastrana nailed back-to-back threes to give them a double-digit lead in the first quarter, 14-3.

UST’s 2-3 zone stifled the Aguilas to hold them to just one field goal and a single free throw made.

The Aguilas turned the tempo up in the second frame with three quick long bombs to tie the game at the 16-all mark.

Sierba stopped the bleeding with four straight baskets, but Aguilas kept pace as mythical member Lexi Pana sank a go-ahead putback in the final seconds of the quarter to take a 26-28 lead before halftime.

Cheska Apag and Pana carried Aguilas’ offense to open the third frame and further balloon their lead to eight points, 29-37.

The Tigresses fired back eight points courtesy of timely shots by Pastrana and Ambos, 41-41.

UST went cold in the opening five minutes of the final frame while the Aguilas capitalized with an 8-0 rally, 41-49.

The Aguilas stood firm with key defensive stops in the closing minutes as they shut the door on the Tigresses, 45-54.

Pana was awarded the Finals MVP after averaging 12.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 steals in the series.

Commissioner Haydee Ong officially announced that the inaugural semi-pro WMPBL will transition to professional status in a new tournament set for June.