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.

According to Philippine News Agency, Kent Pastrana, Oma Onianwa, and Eka Soriano will lead the Tigresses, who joined the tournament to enhance their skills ahead of the UAAP season. UST head coach Ged Austria emphasized the importance of the tournament for gaining experience, noting that not all collegiate teams have the opportunity to compete against semi-pro clubs or players with international experience. Austria highlighted the significance of maintaining emotional control during the game against a formidable Aguilas squad, which includes experienced players who have represented the Philippines internationally.

For the Aguilas, the league provides a platform to showcase their skills on the professional stage. Interim coach Paolo Layug aims to use the program to develop the players' capabilities beyond their college careers. Layug acknowledged the challenge of facing UST, regarded as one of the top women's teams in the country, and emphasized the need to contain key UST players Kent Pastrana and Oma Onianwa.

Leading the Aguilas are Mar Prado, Alexis Pana, and Chack Cabinbin. The Growling Tigresses defeated the Galeries Tower Skyrisers, 67-54, while the Aguilas triumphed over the Discovery Perlas, 65-48, in the semifinal round to set up the championship clash. Game 2 is scheduled for April 20, with a potential Game 3 on April 23, both at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.