On a night destined for greatness, the Pilipinas Aguilas soared to unprecedented heights, carving their name into the proud chronicles of Philippine sports.
In a nail-biting Game 3 finale of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), the Aguilas overcame adversity and a slow start to defeat a gritty University of Santo Tomas (UST) squad, 54-45, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila. With the championship on the line and the pressure mounting, the Aguilas leaned on heart, hustle, and heroics to capture the first-ever WMPBL crown.
Down by 11 after a sluggish first quarter (3-14), the Aguilas showed why they are not just champions in skill but in spirit. They clawed back with a trademark blend of suffocating defense and precise offensive execution, slowly chipping away at the Growling Tigresses’ lead and turning the tide of the match.
By the time the game entered its final chapter with the score tied at 41-all, it was clear: this wasn’t just about basketball. This was about grit, about destiny, and about rewriting the script of women’s sports in the country.
The Aguilas answered the call with a rousing 10-2 run, sparked by fearless drives and unrelenting pressure on both ends of the court. Mar Prado’s game-breaking layup with 4:16 left sent the crowd into a frenzy and the message was clear — the Aguilas were not going to be denied.
“This team is built on character,” said head coach Paulo Layug, who beamed with pride post-game. “Before the game, I reminded the players that every single one of them has a story. Some are students, some are soldiers, and some are battling back from injury. One of them, Lexi Pana, is rediscovering her roots. That’s the essence of this team. It’s more than basketball. It’s about identity, purpose, and family.”
Alexis Pana, who lived up to her inspiring story, was named Finals MVP, averaging 16.3 points, 8.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 3.6 steals across the series. In the title-clincher, she tallied 13 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 steals — a stat line that captures just a fraction of her impact on the game.
Mar Prado turned in a powerhouse performance with 16 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals, while Cheska Apag stepped up with 13 points on three triples, 5 assists, and 4 steals — her finest game of the series.
Despite a strong start, UST struggled to find consistency, with Kent Pastrana limited to 8 points. Oma Onianwa dominated the boards with 17 rebounds but the Tigresses fell short against the Aguilas’ fourth-quarter surge.
This landmark tournament, backed by notable supporters including Manny Pacquiao, Senator Francis Tolentino, and the MPBL Partylist, also drew solid corporate support from brands like Uratex, Discovery Suites, and Katinko among others — signaling a strong step forward for women’s basketball.
As the final buzzer echoed through the historic venue, the Pilipinas Aguilas embraced, tears and laughter mingling in a celebration of triumph. They weren’t just champions of a game. They were pioneers of a movement.
The Pilipinas Aguilas’ story is not just about winning a title; it’s about resilience, heart, and destiny. In a league created to uplift women’s basketball, the Aguilas have set the standard — champions in every sense of the word.
Long live the queens of the court. 🏆🇵🇭
