MANILA, Philippines—The result of Em Banagua’s hard work in training for the University of Santo Tomas showed on Wednesday during a crucial game for the Golden Tigresses.

With a Final Four spot on the line, Banagua dominated on the defensive end to power the Golden Tigresses past also-ran University of the Philippines, 25-20, 25-21, 25-18, at Mall of Asia Arena.

While Banagua was active on both ends of the floor, it was her blocking that ended the Fighting Maroons chances of making the Final Four.

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Some may be surprised with her performance. Banagua, though, expected nothing less with how she and the whole squad have been preparing on defense.

“Our extra work has been huge even before our [official] training. We exert almost 30 minutes of practice, only for blocking,” said the middle blocker.

“We had to fix the small details because that’s what would determine if we did the right things in the blocking department.”

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Banagua recorded eight blocks–the third highest in a single game–to finish with 12 points.

Former Ateneo star Maddie Madayag holds the record for most blocks in a game with 11 in 2019 against, coincidentally, UST.

Banagua’s outing didn’t just elevate her name in the league but also the squad as a whole as they currently hold the solo second seed behind National University with a 9-4 record.