SIERBA SPARKS UNBEATEN UST AS TIGRESSES CRUSH FEU

By: Joaquin Cortez

Behind Karylle Sierba’s 21-point explosion, the Strong Group-powered UST Growling Tigresses maintained their dominant form in the UAAP Season 88 Women’s Basketball Tournament, crushing the FEU Lady Tamaraws with a commanding 104-66 victory for their fifth straight win on Wednesday, October 15, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Tigresses stayed unbeaten with a 5-0 record, while the Lady Tamaraws fell to 2-3.

“We prepared a game plan for FEU and nasunod naman, so we’re happy with the win,” said UST head coach Haydee Ong. “Pero of course, one game at a time pa rin tayo.”

After an early deadlock at 7-all, the Tigresses unleashed a fiery 19-3 run capped by a Kent Pastrana three-pointer to take a 26-10 lead, eventually ending the first quarter ahead, 33-20.

FEU tried to stay within striking distance behind Maxene de la Torre’s putback that cut the deficit to 45-34, but UST responded swiftly with a 12-5 counterattack, led by Gin Reliquette and Bridgette Santos, to secure a 57-37 halftime cushion.

Santos hit a smooth fadeaway jumper to extend UST’s lead to 72-49 midway through the third quarter. Reliquette’s and-one play then pushed the margin to 30 points before the Tigresses entered the final period with a comfortable 81-55 advantage.

The Lady Tamaraws couldn’t find an answer in the fourth quarter, as UST dominated both ends of the floor and outscored FEU, 23-11, to seal another lopsided victory.

Aside from Sierba’s stellar showing, Pastrana chipped in 15 points and four assists, while Reliquette added 14 markers in the rout.

The Growling Tigresses aim to extend their perfect run when they face the Adamson Lady Falcons on Saturday, October 18, at the Araneta Coliseum.