UST GROWLING Tigresses guard Karylle Sierba uncorked a career-high 35 points to topple the Ateneo Blue Eagles in the Tiger’s den, 90-67, in the UAAP Season 89 Women’s Basketball Tournament, on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.
Sierba tallied a career-high 35 points, made from four treys, six steals and four rebounds, equaling former Growling Tigress Kent Pastrana’s record set against the UE Lady Warriors last season.
“Despite the efforts from Kacey and Ateneo, we stuck to Coach’s game plan. And I honestly did not expect that I would be the player of the game, I just kept on giving my 100% every time I’m inside the court,” Sierba told The Flame.
Despite a slow start, the UST Growling Tigresses took control in the opening quarter, with Erinn McAlary scoring inside to give the España squad a 21-18 lead.
Last season’s MVP Kacey Dela Rosa opened the second canto for Ateneo, but UST maintained its advantage, stretching the gap to 13 points, 40-27.
Ateneo’s Kailah Oani knocked down a triple before the break, trimming UST’s lead to 45-38.
The Blue Eagles threatened to take over early in the third quarter, as consecutive baskets from Ela Potter and Alyssa Rodriguez cut the deficit to a single possession, 45-43.
However, Sierba answered with timely baskets to keep the Tigresses in front, 66-58, heading into the final frame.
UST pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Ateneo, 24-9, to seal their fifth victory.
Dela Rosa paced the Katipunan-based squad with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Rodriguez added 14 points.
The Tigresses will look to keep the streak alive against the De La Salle University Green Archers Wednesday, Oct. 21, at the Mall of Asia Arena. F -Lara Sofia Alvarez
