THE UST Growling Tigresses came roaring back in the second half to rout the gritty DLSU Lady Archers, 76-68, during the UAAP women’s basketball eliminations on Sunday, Sept. 29, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
UST’s explosive firepower early in the fourth frame overwhelmed DLSU, securing its return to the win column after a tough loss against rival NU.
The Lady Archers jumped to an early 10-point cushion to kick off the game after back-to-back paint shots from guards Luisa San Juan and Claudine Santos, 17-7.
UST, however, slowly cut the deficit to seven as Tigress star Kent Pastrana converted a late triple at the end of the first frame, 27-20.
The Tigresses continued to claw back in the second salvo with a 9-2 run capped by another three-pointer from Pastrana, tying the game at 29-all.
The Lady Archers briefly regained the lead by halftime, 37-36.
In the third quarter, Tigress rookie guard Karylle Sierba hit two freebies to give her team the lead, 43-41. The España-based squad shifted the momentum after a five-point swing by Sierba, 54-48.
The Taft-based squad managed to stay within three points as Bernice Paraiso completed an alley-oop play before the fourth, 56-53.
The defending champions opened the fourth frame with an 11-0 burst led by two straight baskets by guard Brigette Santos, 68-53.
Down by 15 points, DLSU mounted a 7-0 run, but Eka Soriano’s late layup helped UST maintain control en route to a 76-68 victory.
“We really had to limit our turnovers because if we continue to play that way, it won’t be good for us,” Sierba told The Flame.
Pastrana led the Tigresses with 21 points, two assists, four steals and three blocks. While hotshot rookie Sierba contributed 16 points, three assists, and a steal. Santos added 12 markers.
Patricia Mendoza dropped 21 points and two steals for the Lady Archers. San Juan chipped in 16 points, while Lee Sario added 13.
UST looks to build on its momentum as it takes on UP on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the same venue. F
