A strong fourth-quarter showing propelled University of Santo Tomas back to the UAAP Season 87 Collegiate Women’s Basketball Tournament winning column, overcoming De La Salle University, 76-68, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Leading by three through three quarters, the Growling Tigresses opened the payoff period with an 11-0 to slowly pull away with a comfortable 14-point lead, 67-53, with 8:20 left.
A triple and layup by Karylle Sierba saw UST take a game-high 15 point cushion, 74-59, en route to strengthening its hold on solo second in the standings with a 4-1 record.
“Nag-adjust kasi ako come the fourth quarter because sabi ko it cannot be na dikit ‘yung laban namin, so I needed to adjust, naglagay ako ng four guards tapos doon kami lumamang and pushed La Salle to many turnovers,” said Growling Tigresses head coach Haydee Ong.
Both teams struggled to take care of the ball with UST committing 27 turnovers, but its defense forced La Salle to 38 turnovers while also stealing the ball 21 times.
Kent Pastrana overcame a seven-point performance in UST’s first season loss to National U, leading the Growling Tigresses with 21 points, 10 rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.
UST high product Sierba contributed significantly with 16 points, six rebounds, and three assists, while Brigette Santos chipped in 12 points, five rebounds, and three steals on a team high plus-24 in 21 minutes of action.
The Growling Tigresses will next face last season’s Final Four foe University of the Philippines on Wednesday, Oct. 2, at the same Cubao venue.
Patricia Mendoza’s near 20-20 statline of 21 points and 18 rebounds went for naught as the Lady Archers’ struggles continued after dropping to a 1-5 card, good for last place in the eight-team collegiate league.
Coming from a historic 34-point outing, San Juan was limited to 16 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, while fourth-year forward Lee Sario also struggled with 13 points on a 25-percent shooting clip to go along with eight turnovers.
La Salle aims to bounce back when it clashes against the Fighting Maroons next Sunday, Oct. 6, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
